By Peter Ochieng
The county government of Kisumu has received Sh173 million for Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) program.
FLLOCA is funded by the government of Kenya, through the support of the World Bank.
Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed receipt of the money, when he hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Ms. Soipan Tuya in his office, on Friday.
“Kisumu county is pleased to announce the receipt of Ksh. 273 million for the Financing Locally Led Climate Action Program (FLLOCA). This initiative aims to bolster our resilience to climate change, natural hazards, and other challenges by enhancing our capacity to plan, budget, implement, and monitor resilience investments in collaboration with communities, national, and county governments,” said the second term governor.
The funds, the governor said will help his administration in restoration initiatives in the Lakeside county.
“With technical assistance from our ministry, Kisumu county has identified restoration of the 42km Katuk-Odeyo gully in Nyakach which has been widening since 1972, construction of Koyombe Dam and gazettement of 4 hilltops within the county as its foremost priority projects,” he stated.
“In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have identified afforestation and conservation of Kajulu, Karateng, and Koguta Hills as top priorities. Additionally, the construction of Koyombe dam will ensure water supply to the area, accompanied by a massive tree nursery initiative.”
On her part, CS Tuya said the ministry continues to actively engage counties as partners in the delivery of the country’s climate action priorities, including the ambitious 15 billion national tree growing program, and the broad landscape and ecosystem restoration strategy that seeks to raise Kenya’s tree cover to 30% by the year 2032.
Nyong’o added that through collaboration with esteemed partners such as Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kisumu county has achieved a tree cover of 1.8 million against the annual target of 9.1 million.