Taita Taveta MCAs urged to allocate ward funds to finance climate action

Taita Taveta Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have been urged to allocate a portion of the Ward Equalisation funds to support the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.

According to the county government, local funding for climate change mitigation efforts are urgently needed to safeguard the region’s future.

Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo highlighted that channelling funds into crucial sectors such as water conservation, agriculture, clean energy, and reforestation would help the county meet the requirements of the FLLoCA programme and attract additional climate financing from national and international donors.

"Investing in these sectors will significantly mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, particularly by protecting natural resources like water and enhancing food production. These efforts will not only tackle immediate challenges but also set us on a sustainable path," Kilalo said.

Cooperation

She further stressed the need for cooperation between the National and County Governments to ensure proper budget allocations in devolved sectors.

Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo during a meeting with the area MCAs. (Photo: Handout)

"Strong intergovernmental cooperation will enable counties to implement climate projects more effectively at the grassroots level. This partnership will ensure that resources reach the communities most affected by climate change," she added.

The County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Grantone Mwandawiro echoed Kilalo’s sentiments.

“The recent amendments in the County Climate Change Act of 2021, introduced carbon credit markets as a potential source of revenue for climate initiatives. The county is looking at innovative ways to generate income from conservation efforts,” he said.

The MCAs expressed their support for the proposal, acknowledging that local climate action projects could restore river sources, improve food security, and combat erratic weather patterns.

They agreed that ward-level initiatives would be crucial in reversing ongoing environmental degradation and ensuring long-term community resilience.