MOMBASA: Mombasa County has launched an ambitious 25-Year Climate Action Plan (CAP) to address climate change challenges, marking a significant step in the region's efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts. Emmily Okello, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Resilience, announced the plan's focus on strengthening resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change.
According to Kenya News Agency, Developed collaboratively with the State Department for Urban Housing and the World Bank, the CAP is a product of a participatory approach. It is supported by the City Climate Finance Gap Fund, backed by the governments of Germany and Luxembourg. This comprehensive strategy outlines Mombasa's roadmap for adapting to climate change and integrating these concerns across all county departments.
Okello highlighted the plan's division into five-year segments, recognizing that restoration is a long-term endeavor. This approach ensures continuous evaluation and adjustment of strategies to effectively combat climate challenges.
The CAP targets sectors with significant carbon footprints, including transportation, where e-mobility and non-motorized movement are emphasized. Other key areas include promoting clean cooking options, restoring degraded mangrove ecosystems through community participation, and adopting a circular economy model by exploiting the waste value chain.
Acknowledging Mombasa's water scarcity, the plan also includes measures for water harvesting and collaboration with upstream counties for water source conservation. Additionally, efforts are underway to protect the coastline from encroachment, pollution, urbanization, and settlement. This involves working with the Kenya Forest Service and other partners to erect beacons around forests to prevent encroachment.
Eng. Benjamin Njenga, Secretary for Urban and Metropolitan Development in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, commended Mombasa for its commitment to urban resilience and climate change adaptation. He assured the county of ongoing support through legal frameworks and policies to address coastal challenges.
The World Bank, through Peter Ellis, Manager of Urban Development and Resilience, pledged continued support for Mombasa and the coastal region. The City Climate Finance Gap Fund aims to assist cities in developing Climate Action Plans and identifying interventions for greener, more resilient growth.
This comprehensive CAP positions Mombasa at the forefront of Kenya's fight against climate change, setting a precedent for other counties in implementing long-term, sustainable climate action strategies.