Climate
The Vihiga county government has spearheaded the setting up of the Centre of Excellence for Climate Action and Research (CECARE) at Kaimosi Friends University for tackling climate change issues.
Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, who is the Council of Governor’s (CoG’s) chairman for environment and climate change committee, has vigorously been championing the cause of environmental conservation and protection. Speaking during the inaugural climate action conference and the launch of the Centre on Thursday, Dr. Ottichilo said the deteriorating climatic conditions occasioned by human activities are an existential threat not only to humans but also the other biodiversity.
He asserted that CECARE would play a pivotal role in climate action by informing decisions and enabling the understanding of climate risks as well as proposing contextualized solutions. The county head noted that the establishment of the Centre, which will offer training and undertake research, would go a long way in promoting environmental education and enhancing dissemination of climate information.
On his part, the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mwita, said they intend to be a hub for professional, academic and community training on climate change and related issues. Prof Mwita stated that they are ready to partner and mobilize resources to promote evidence-based climate action as well as development of climate smart technologies and innovations.
The conference provided a platform for discussions and knowledge exchange on contemporary climate change issues such as climate finance and environmental conservation.