The County Government of Uasin Gishu is actively engaging its residents in shaping climate action through a three-day public participation forum led by the Department of Water, Irrigation, Sanitation, Energy, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.

On Tuesday, the second day of this exercise, residents voiced their priorities for projects under the 2024/2025 Financing of Locally Led Climate Action Program (FLLoCA).

Speaking during the initiative in Racecourse Ward, Kesses Sub-County, County Executive Committee Member for Environment Dr. Sam Kottut emphasized the transformative power of public participation.

“We want to ensure that the voices of the people resonate with our decision-making processes. This engagement is not merely procedural but rather a crucial step in aligning development initiatives with the real needs and aspirations of the community,” said Dr. Kottut.

Dr. Kottut also highlighted the potential for collaboration with partners such as the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and the County Government’s development funds to strategically maximize FLLoCA’s Ksh 173 million budget.

“With careful planning, we can realize Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii’s vision under the ‘Nguzo Kumi’ initiative to uplift the livelihoods of all residents,” he added.

In Moiben Sub-County, programme coordinator Ms. Abigael Kibet facilitated discussions on project prioritization, focusing on improving water supply through the desilting of Lolong’bei dam in Cheburbur village and the installation of a milk cooler for the Kimoning Cooperative Society.

Ainabkoi Sub-County, led by Environment Officer Ms. Mercy Kemboi, underscored the importance of community insights in shaping the county’s climate action strategies to effectively address local challenges.

At Kapseret Sub-County, administrator Mr. Abraham Kurgat and environment officer Ms. Caroline Ngerechi led discussions prioritizing the Kapseret Leberio water project.

In Soy Sub-County, Eng. Christopher Mbevi emphasized project prioritization, with residents focusing on water distribution, irrigation, and wetlands conservation.

Turbo Sub-County’s team, led by Environment Officer Mr. Meshack Amai, proposed a mega water project on River Kipkaren, aiming to supply water to a significant portion of residents. Community members noted that prolonged dry seasons have severely affected their livelihoods due to water scarcity. This project is intended for domestic use, irrigation, and livestock.