By Anderson Ojwang
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on stakeholders in environment and climate change to unite in combating the growing climate crisis.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting at a hotel in Nairobi, Barasa said climate change crisis was no longer a distant threat but a daily reality affecting every aspect of development.
He said the impact of climate change challenges had been witnessed in all sectors including agriculture, health, infrastructure, and food security.
He noted that Western Kenya, once a reliable food basket, was now facing erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and biodiversity degradation.
“We are staring at food crisis in the region.
Previously, the farmers could easily determine the planting and harvesting seasons.
This is no longer a reality and has contributed to food insecurity in the region,” he said.
The Governor outlined Kakamega’s climate action framework, anchored in the 2023–2027 County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and supported by legislation such as the Kakamega County Climate Change Act (2020), Climate Change Policy, and General Regulations.
He highlighted ongoing partnerships with the national government and non-state actors, citing tree-planting initiatives and the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem Restoration Program as key milestones.
“We are home to Kenya’s only tropical rainforest. Protecting it is a duty we owe the entire country,” he said.
Governor Barasa also announced that Kakamega County will host the Climate Change and Agri-Expo Summit, set for 7th–10th October 2025 in Kakamega County.
The summit will bring together partners to explore practical solutions around sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
He urged stakeholders to support the county’s efforts, emphasizing that climate change affects all, regardless of borders or political affiliations.
“Let us act now to protect our people and our planet,” he appealed.
The meeting was graced by Environment Secretary Dr. Sally Kimosop, who represented the Chief Guest, CS Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Dr. Deborah Mulongo Baraza, other esteemed partners, and county officials.
