Consultative Forum on the draft climate change policy and bill

By Joyce Okuta

Baringo is one of the most vulnerable counties to the impacts of climate change. The most affected sectors include Agriculture and tourism.

The Baringo County consultative forum on the draft climate change policy and bill was held on 3^rd June 2014, at Kibelion Hotel.

The forum was convened by Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG) to bring on board Civil Society organizations, Community based organizations and the county government to identify the gaps in the draft bill and see how it will be incorporated. The one day workshop was attended by 54 participants representing all the six sub-counties.

“The proposed bill did not pass due to inadequate consultation as cited by former president Mwai Kibaki, said Susy wandera, Conference of the parties chair, KCCWG.

She further said that KCCWG has also involved the youth and the county government through sensitization on the policy and the climate change bill.

After the second reading of the bill, it will be made public through the various media platforms.

According to a presentation made by Caroline Tenges, CEC member, Environment and natural Resources, it was revealed that over 80% of the population in Baringo county dwell in rural areas and poverty levels are estimated at 58.7%.

“The situation is aggravated by effects of climate change leading to erratic weather patterns,” Said the CEC.

The participants advocated lobbying for passing of the bill and allocation of more funds for climate change and development in Baringo County.

“The more the passing the bill is delayed the more communities miss resources,” said Frank Msafiri, Chairman of KCCWG.

A key presentation on a project funded by Act!  that is being implemented in Baringo County was made by Noah Lusaka, Project manager-Arid Lands Information Network. The project focuses on strengthening community resilience to impacts of climate change. Among the project activities include introduction of linear shower mobile irrigation system that conserves over 70% of water resources, community consultations on vulnerability and coping mechanisms, lobbying for inclusion of climate change issues in the County Integrated development plans and information dissemination.

KCCWG, is a forum that brings together Civil Society Organizations in Kenya and donor partners, government departments and agencies working on climate change and for climate justice; for the purpose of creating synergies, harmonizing and strengthening of efforts in the design and implementation of activities that address Climate Change and lobbying and advocating for favorable national policies in the promotion of climate justice for all, especially the most vulnerable.