This article was originally published on the Standard (Kenya) and can be viewed here.
Homa Bay County Government has begun developing a climate change adaptation plan aimed at enhancing resilience to the adverse impact of climate change in the County.
The plan, dubbed the Locally-Led People's Adaptation Plan, is being formulated to enhance strategies for mitigation of the adversity of climate change.
It is developed in partnership between the county government and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA).
The development of the plan encompasses taking the views of the people who live in the informal settlements. In the public engagement, the residents state the climate change-related problems and their priorities on how they want them addressed.
Such problems include floods, strong winds that destroy structures, drought, among others.
The plan is aimed at mitigating the impact of the adverse climatic conditions by addressing the drivers.
Governor Gladys Wanga and the GCA CEO, who is also the University of Nairobi Chancellor, Prof Patrick Verkooijen presided over the plan development at Shauri Yako Estate in Homa Bay Town.
Wanga said the plan will oversee climate-resilience initiatives, including fixing the drainage and sewerage, slum upgrading, road network and other urban infrastructure to transform Homa Bay into a vibrant city in the next decade.
She said the adaptation plan will cushion residents from the adverse climate change impact.
“Climate change can force the people of Shauri Yako to relocate from her at any time. This adaptation plan enables us to know how to mitigate the adversity,” Wanga said.
She added that the plan will also enable the county to put adequate strategies and funding for the adverse impact of climate change.
The governor said the plan will also enable the county government to source funds for improving the living standards of residents.
She expressed commitment to their mission to establish Homa Bay Town as a benchmark for scientific planning, orderliness and economic prosperity.
Prof Verkooijen said the activity was aimed at enabling residents to identify their priorities so that they can be helped through the adaptation plan.
“We know there is drought, flood and other adverse weather conditions. This plan gives the people of Homa Bay the opportunity to state their problems and what they want prioritised in implementation,” Verkooijen said.
He said the plan will also be used for seeking resources from the developed countries.
“The local people know what needs to be done but lack of resources hinders implementation. The plan will also help us to mobilize resources from the Global North,” said Verkooijen.