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ADVERThttps://youtu.be/Sny2O4mVqxU?feature=sharedThree-day workshop seeks to address environmental degradation, funding gaps, carbon credit management and implementation of climate resilience programmes across the county.
The County Government of Siaya has commenced a three-day review of its Climate Change Policy in a move aimed at strengthening environmental conservation, improving climate resilience and addressing emerging environmental challenges affecting residents.
The review workshop, organised through the Department of Water, Irrigation, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources in partnership with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), seeks to align the county’s climate action priorities with the 2020 Climate Change Policy while identifying gaps that may be undermining effective implementation.
The exercise is being led by Acting County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Mr Augustine Neto, alongside Chief Officer for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Mr Jared Abayo, and Director of Environment, Mr Gabriel Oduong.
A key focus of the review is the growing pressure exerted by environmental degradation and climate-related challenges on livelihoods, natural resources and sustainable development in Siaya County.
ADVERTThe workshop also seeks to address persistent funding constraints affecting conservation programmes, strengthen coordination among environmental actors and stakeholders, and clarify institutional responsibilities in climate change management.
Of particular interest is the management and utilisation of carbon credit funds, an increasingly important component of climate financing that could provide opportunities for communities and counties to benefit from environmental conservation initiatives.
Participants are also expected to examine ways of strengthening the implementation of the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, which supports locally driven climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.
The review comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over environmental sustainability, the protection of natural resources and the need to equip communities with practical interventions to withstand the effects of climate change.
By bringing together relevant stakeholders and technical expertise from JOOUST, the county hopes to establish a more coordinated policy framework that addresses existing implementation gaps while responding to emerging climate challenges.
The outcome of the three-day engagement is expected to provide a basis for refining Siaya’s climate change policy, strengthening institutional accountability and improving the mobilisation and utilisation of resources for environmental protection.
For Siaya, the challenge goes beyond having a climate change policy on paper. The real test will be translating policy commitments into adequately funded, measurable interventions that protect ecosystems, safeguard livelihoods and build climate-resilient communities.
Ultimately, the success of the policy review will be measured not by the resolutions adopted in the workshop room, but by their impact on the environment and the everyday lives of Siaya residents.
