Rights groups in Migori now want the county government to operationalize Climate Change laws.
Despite Climate Change Act having been assented to by Governor Okoth Obado back in 2021, the law has remained unoperationalized.
Without this law, no funds have been allocated to address matters of climate.
The operationalization of the Policy will ensure a two percent budgetary funds from county allocations is availed for climate issues.
The community’s role is bigger and should not be overlooked, especially in the budgetary participation process, that is why we engage them often
Velma Oseko
The Act will provide a legal framework for the establishment of the climate funds.
It will also facilitate and coordinate financing of the climate adaptation and mitigation activities for connected purposes.
The push for operationalizing this law has been fueled by climate championing organisations in the County.
In a two-day forum held in Migori town on matters of devolution, the effects of climate change and its impacts were given heavy consideration.
This forum on climate change was led by Devolution and Climate Change Adaptations (DACCA) organisation.
The dialogue brought together Civil Societies in Migori County, Community Based Organisations and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Climate change mitigation
County advocacy and team leader at DACCA Ms Velma Oseko stated that they have been working with CSOs and CBOs on the agenda.
This, she said is aimed towards ensuring there is capacity building and empowerment of Climate Change advocacy to CBOs.
Ms Oseko also cited that participation in the county affairs by the community is the best way to push for inclusivity in mitigation of projects and funds allocation.
“The community’s role is bigger and should not be overlooked, especially in the budgetary participation process, that is why we engage them often,” said Ms Oseko.
Climate change is real and if the relevant authorities do not put much consideration to adapting the set policy frameworks, the country may be harshly affected
Samson Ochwere
She added that upon the approval of the funds as stated by the act, climate mitigation measures would be achieved.
County NEMA Deputy Director Samson Ochwere called on the need for the county to adopt the climate change act.
“Looming climate change consequences will be severe to the entire country should climate change effects be ignored,” he noted.
Ochware urged the county government to act as stipulated in the Act to help cushion the Kenyans from the severe effects of global warming.
“Climate change is real and if the relevant authorities do not put much consideration to adapting the set policy frameworks, the country may be harshly affected,” he warned.