Lodwar, 25 June 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government, through the Directorate of Climate Change, engaged partners and stakeholders to deliberate on the County Climate Change Action Plan (CCCAP), a document expected to guide climate change resilience projects in Turkana.

The meeting, supported by the Kenya Red Cross, brought together a diverse group of climate change actors to forge collaborative efforts.

The engagement aimed to integrate the wide array of perspectives and expertise into the proposed climate change action strategies.

The Deputy Director for Climate Change, Thomas Kiyonga, highlighted the current climate scenarios impacting livelihoods, noting that the county was facing unprecedented environmental challenges.

These challenges include prolonged droughts, flooding, desertification, and Juli-flora Prosopis (mathenge) invasions of arable land.

“The County Climate Change Action Plan is our comprehensive framework to mitigate these impacts, build resilience, and transition to a sustainable future,” said Kiyonga.

Kenya Red Cross Project Officer Kevin Obuya commended the county government’s effort in developing holistic approaches that guide partners’ interventions in climate change initiatives.

He emphasised that the Red Cross is aware of the climate change impacts, priorities, and vulnerabilities on Turkana’s livelihood systems and socio-economic sectors.

Participating partner representatives were from GIZ, Wetlands International, Kenya Forest Service, Natural Resources Management, Kenya Wildlife Services, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and representatives from social protection and organisations for people with disabilities.

The meeting was also attended by Christopher Achilo, Assistant Director for Disaster Management; Ebei Benson, National Coordinator for People with Disabilities (PWD); and County Climate Change Officers.