Western governors call for full decentralisation of disaster funds

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa plants a tree in Lugari, during the National Tree Planting Holiday. [Benjamin Sakwa, sTANDARD] Western governors have urged the national government to fast-track and decentralise funds meant for disaster management to counties, citing their enhanced capacity to assist flood victims and tackle other emergencies. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa who spoke during a tree-planting event in the Lugari constituency dedicated to environmental conservation said counties are struggling with financial constraints "Counties are better positioned to respond to the needs of flood victims and effectively manage various disasters that may affect our residents and as counties, we lack sufficient funds. I appeal to the national government to devolve resources because the funds are currently centralized," said Barasa. Barasa accompanied Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Gender Aisha Jumwa and her Principal Secretary (PS) Ummi Bashir in the tree planting exercises. CS Aisha Jumwa called on Governors to set aside specific days to allow staff and residents to take part in tree planting. "I ask our Governors to look for a day when we can close offices, go to the streets or water towers to plant trees so that we achieve our target. I also appreciate Kakamega County for setting their target which is 5 million trees per year," Jumwa said. Jumwa praised Kakamega County for setting an ambitious goal of planting 5 million trees annually and pledged to ensure accountability in the tree-growing process across the county. The tree planting event coincided with President William Ruto's directive to observe May 10, 2024, as a day dedicated to tree planting in honor of the 221 Kenyans who lost their lives in floods. The collective efforts of government officials, community leaders, and residents underscored a united commitment to environmental conservation and disaster preparedness. Governor Paul Otuoma planted 30,000 trees in Busia in solidarity with flood victims and climate change at Sigalame and Siteko areas calling for help from the national government stating that the county is overwhelmed in responding to floods, disasters, and emergencies. "We must act now to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all and as a county we are overwhelmed and we call upon the national government to fast track and release money to the county meant for disaster," said Otuoma. Sabatia Member of Parliament (MP) Clement Sloya has echoed President William Ruto's call to honor the lives lost to floods across Kenya calling for fines for those cutting down trees without a license or permit.

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Western governors call for full decentralisation of disaster funds

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