Climate change to blame for 70pc of global disasters, experts say

Jane Mukonambi. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]

Mukonambi said the county has established climate change policy and finance frameworks, including a climate change funds act to support regional initiatives.

The collaboration between the county government, MMUST, and Red Cross aims to research climate change and its impacts.

"We have to bring other partners in place to help us do research to help address the climate change issues in the region," said Mkonambi.

To foster community understanding of climate change, Mukonambi highlighted the formation of climate change planning committees in all 45 Bungoma wards. Additionally, the county features a climate change steering committee led by the governor, overseeing funding approaches.

The climate expert emphasized that the research will primarily occur at the university level, with other institutions joining the effort. The County climate change 2023-2027 action plan encompasses key actions to address the challenges.

"Climate change directorate being a new in the county, the action plan will be launched soon to allow every partner to understand more about what should be done to mitigate the climate change," she said.

Bungoma County Redcross Chairman, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, attributed the rise of jigger infestations in the county to climate change impacts. He alerted the community to upcoming El Nino rains in October, stressing the importance of awareness.

Governor Kenneth Lusaka expressed the county's commitment to proactive climate change measures, aligning with UN sustainable development goal 13. This dedication focuses on climate resilience and sustainable practices to mitigate climate change consequences.