CSOs urge Mombasa to enact climate legislation to unlock climate funding

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are urging the Mombasa County Government and Assembly to urgently pass climate legislation that will enable the county to access crucial funding under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.

This programme, launched by the national government in collaboration with development partners in March, secured a substantial Sh 39.3 billion to bolster climate resilience across Kenya. However, Mombasa, along with Nairobi, remains excluded from the 45 counties currently benefiting due to the lack of required legislative frameworks.

The FLLoCA Programme, funded by the World Bank, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, is designed to empower counties to implement locally-driven climate adaptation initiatives.

The exclusion of Mombasa has sparked concern among local stakeholders, who argue that the county is missing out on vital resources that could address pressing environmental issues.

Executive Director of Mashinani Watch Organisation, Moffat Mutero expressed dismay over Mombasa's exclusion.

“It is shocking that out of the 47 counties, Mombasa and Nairobi are the only ones that have not met the FLLoCA requirements. This programme, overseen by the National Treasury, demands the establishment of a climate resilience act, a guiding policy document, a dedicated budget, and a participatory climate risk assessment to involve residents in decision-making,” said Mutero.

CSOs during a roundtable community engagement and strengthening of Locally Led Climate Actions in Mikindani, Jomvu Sub-County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Mutero further explained that Mombasa's annual budget should allocate two to three per cent to climate resilience efforts, with additional funds to be provided by the National Treasury and the FLLoCA Programme.

He emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that Mombasa has long struggled with environmental challenges, including poor drainage systems and inadequate waste management, which have contributed to frequent disease outbreaks in areas like Kongowea and Marikiti markets.

“The challenges Mombasa faces, from drainage issues to the frequent closure of markets due to disease outbreaks, are unacceptable. We need to act now to ensure that our county does not continue to suffer,” he said.

A member of the Mission to Missionary CBO, Frank Kazungu urged the elected Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to expedite the legislative process. “Our priority is to push for the enactment of the necessary laws within the stipulated time. If we fail to act, Mombasa could lose out on a significant opportunity to secure the funding needed to address our climate challenges,” Kazungu said.

Project Resource Mobilisation Officer at the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance, Duncan Omwami highlighted the critical role CSOs play in policy advocacy. He urged them to hold the county government accountable for its inaction. “CSOs must raise their voices to ensure that the Mombasa County Government fast-tracks its processes and joins the other 45 counties already benefiting from the FLLoCA Programme,” Omwami stated.