SIAYA COUNTY REVIEWS CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
By Celestine Anyango
The County Government of Siaya has continued its efforts to strengthen climate change response through a three-day Climate Change Policy Review Workshop. The workshop aims to address gaps in funding, policy implementation, and environmental conservation.
Held at the Siaya Probation Female Hostel, the workshop has brought together various stakeholders, including youths and Siaya County staff, to review the county’s climate change policy and discuss ways to improve its implementation.
On the second day of the workshop, participants engaged in group discussions and presentations. They shared issues identified from the previous day’s deliberations regarding gaps in the 2020 Climate Change Policy and the progress made in addressing them.
Key issues raised included the need to strengthen ecosystem protection, implement carbon project networks, and establish climate change centres across the county.
The groups observed that the existing policy does not clearly outline mitigation measures to address climate change. They called for the development of policies to promote safe water sources in areas affected by artisanal mining. Discussions also highlighted the need to identify and map areas experiencing active artisanal mining to support better environmental management.
On environmental conservation, participants expressed concern over the disappearance of some species, including certain mushroom varieties that are becoming increasingly rare. They urged the county government to establish methods for preserving and storing seeds of endangered plant species for future restoration efforts.
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) team, represented by Dr. Richard Magwaga, Dr. Pamela Were and others, raised concerns over the limited involvement of the institution in climate change initiatives, particularly in conducting research.
During the engagement, a question was raised on whether young people found it easy to access funding through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme. Two youth representatives confirmed that accessing the funding was straightforward.
Dr. Pamela’s presentation was delivered by Dr. Fred Okumu. He highlighted key areas requiring attention in climate change response, including climate change adaptation and resilience, gender equality and social inclusion, ecosystem-based adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and climate information and early warning systems.
Among those present on the second day of the workshop was the Chief Officer for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Jared Abayo.
The workshop, which concludes tomorrow, is expected to help identify policy gaps and strengthen strategies for climate change adaptation and sustainable development in Siaya County.
