KISUMU, Kenya – The Kenyan government, in partnership with several international development agencies, has mobilized Sh.39.3 billion to initiate a local climate action financing scheme aimed at empowering vulnerable communities affected by climate change. This significant financial commitment marks a critical step forward in Kenya’s fight against climate change impacts, particularly in rural areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds are allocated for the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, which aims to direct climate finance to those most in need. Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary, highlighted that this program would extend to 45 rural counties following the success of pilot projects that demonstrated the effectiveness of localized climate change funds. The initiative, backed by the World Bank, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, intends to ensure a systematic distribution of resources to bolster resilience among the most affected demographics.
The FLLoCA initiative is designed to foster cooperation across different levels of governance and with international partners, aiming to create a comprehensive response to climate challenges. During the launch event in Kisumu for the Lake Region Economic Bloc counties, Prof Ndung’u pointed out the critical issue of funding scarcity for community-level climate adaptation and development, emphasizing the initiative’s role in combating poverty exacerbated by environmental changes.
The program is particularly focused on enhancing local capacities in 16 counties within the Lake Region Economic Bloc to manage climate finance effectively, promoting sustainable development and resilience against climate-related adversities. Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya also underscored the importance of this collaboration, recognizing the pressing need for substantial resources to support the country’s broader climate goals.
The FLLoCA’s strategic approach includes prioritizing specific ecosystems in each county for targeted interventions, leveraging existing organizational frameworks to maximize impact and efficiency. The concerted effort underlines the commitment of both Kenyan authorities and their global partners to address the pressing challenges of climate change, aiming to deliver tangible benefits at the community level and contribute to the national and global environmental agenda.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Winfridah Mokaya was officially inaugurated as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court building. This event marks a significant chapter in the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to enhance its administrative efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of the public.
According to Kenya News Agency, Chief Justice Koome underscored the importance of the Chief Registrar’s role as the primary administrator and financial officer, pivotal in ensuring smooth and effective judicial operations. She highlighted that Mokaya’s responsibilities would be instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to judicial excellence and service delivery at high standards.
The appointment signifies a period of anticipated institutional innovation and dynamism, with Koome encouraging Mokaya to advance the judiciary’s mission of social transformation through improved access to justice. Mokaya’s tenure begins amid the judiciary’s adoption of the “Social Transformation through Access to Justice” (STAJ) initiative, emphasizing collaborative leadership and accountability in judicial service.
In her address, Mokaya committed to implementing the STAJ blueprint, focusing on legal reforms, stakeholder engagement, and efficient resource management to reinforce the judiciary’s foundations. She underscored her dedication to achieving full government funding for judicial services, likening it to the prioritization seen in the security sector.
The Chief Registrar’s strategic vision includes fostering a people-centered judicial system, emphasizing transparent and inclusive administration. Mokaya’s call for the judiciary community’s support reflects her approach to collaborative leadership, aiming to embody the constitution’s principles in her stewardship.
Mokaya’s background, with over two decades in the judiciary, culminates in her five-year term as Chief Registrar, where she is set to navigate the complexities of judicial administration amidst evolving societal and legal expectations.