Climate
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are now appealing to the Mombasa county Government to expedite the formulation of a Climate Act and Policy for Mombasa in order to benefit from the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.
In March, the national government in collaboration with development partners secured Sh39.3 billion to roll out a locally-led climate action financing programme. The program is funded by the World Bank and the governments of Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Netherlands.
The goal is to implement locally led climate resilience actions and to strengthen National and County governments’ capacity to manage climate risks. It is implemented in 45 counties except Mombasa and Nairobi. Mombasa-based CSOs Sunday converged for a roundtable community engagement and strengthening of Locally Led Climate Actions in Mikindani, Jomvu Sub-County.
Moffat Mutero, Executive Director, Mashinani Watch Organization said they are shocked to realize that out of 47 counties only Mombasa and Nairobi have not complied with FLLoCA requirements, a programme under the National Treasury.
“We have realized that four requirements are needed for every county to comply including the coming up with a climate resilience act that will guide that plan, a policy document and a budget for the same, as well as a participatory climate risk assessment report for residents to be involved in making decisions,” said Mutero.
Members of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during a roundtable community engagement and strengthening of Locally Led Climate Actions in Mikindani, Jomvu Sub-County. Photos by Haniel Mengistu.
The Executive Director further explained that out of the annual county budget, Mombasa is supposed to set aside two to three per cent, while the National Treasury and FLLoCA will add more funds.
“Our worry as key players in this plan is that Mombasa County has been having problems with the environment, drainage, dumpsites and other related issues over the years. We wonder why Mombasa, which is the second largest city in Kenya cannot comply with the requirements so that our people can be assisted,” stated Mutero.
Through the programme, he noted that CSOs will be able to act on behalf of the public. “For many years Mombasa doesn’t deserve what we face right now. When it comes to the outbreak of diseases in Kongowea, and Marikiti markets Mombasa is the first one to close and drainage challenges,” said Mutero.
Frank Kazungu, a member of Mission to Missionary CBO urged elected MCAs to make sure they enact legislation for the Port City to benefit. “Our main target is to push and advocate more so that these people can do all the required legislations within the prescribed time that we have so that we don’t lose the opportunity we have to get finance for our county,” said Kazungu.
Duncan Omwami, Project Resource Mobilization Officer, Kenya Platform for Climate Governance said there is a need to look at the role of CSOs in policy advocacy and their contribution to advancing the Locally Led Climate Action by finding locally led climate solutions.
“We want to advocate that the CSOs can raise their voices to put the County Government of Mombasa into accountability and fast track their processes in being part of the FLLoCA implementation among the other 45 counties that have participated in the process,” said Omwami.