Kisumu government urged to fast-track climate change projects

Environmental actors in Kisumu are calling on the county government to move faster in implementing long-awaited climate change mitigation projects funded under the World Bank–supported Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) programme. The appeal comes amid delays caused by an ongoing Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA), even though the projects were expected to begin in the 2023–2024 financial year. Sustainable Environmental Development Watch project officer Wendy Mitoko said the prolonged wait is slowing down efforts to protect communities from the worsening impacts of climate change.
Mitoko noted that Kisumu has already received Sh55 million of the expected Sh273 million FLLOCA allocation, and the county set aside Sh100 million for resilience projects in the 2023–2024 budget cycle. The funds are earmarked for six community-driven initiatives, including major water projects in Kisumu West, Nyakach, and Seme, as well as the development of a climate change resource centre in Kisumu Central. In flood-prone Nyando, the county is investing in garbage compression equipment and expanding drainage canals to curb frequent flooding. Mitoko emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the county and local communities, insisting that public participation is crucial in identifying climate risks and shaping sustainable solutions.
County Climate Change Director Evans Gichana defended the government’s approach, saying the county has already launched a climate risk assessment across all 35 wards to ensure residents have a voice in planning and prioritising interventions. He said the upcoming rollout of the assessment report will guide implementation once ESSA is completed. Gichana added that Kisumu is also expecting an additional Sh136 million in World Bank grants to support ward-level resilience projects. Environmental advocates, however, stress that timely action is essential as communities continue to face recurring challenges—from water shortages and flooding to ecosystem degradation—making fast-tracked climate financing key to safeguarding the county’s long-term resilience.