This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On October 4, the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG) organized a workshop in Kajiado County to discuss the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Dr. James Sankale, the Chief Officer of the Kajiado County Ministry of Water, Irrigation, Environment, and Natural Resources, noted that the county has a lot of solar potential, which can be harnessed as an alternative source of power.
“I am happy to note that some departments within the county have already adopted solar power, particularly in boreholes, to cut electricity costs and emissions resulting from diesel generators,” Dr. Sankale said.
Mr. John Kioli, the chairman of KCCWG, emphasized the need for the county to improve its solar penetration and encouraged schools to adopt biogas for cooking as a way to reduce tree cutting for firewood and charcoal production.
Michael Semera, the CECM of the Ministry of Water, Irrigation, Environment, and Natural Resources, expressed his hope that the county climate change bill would be enacted, enabling the county to receive internal and external funds for climate change actions.
During the workshop, participants discussed the tools used for mainstreaming climate change at the county level and sectorial projects and programs.
They also identified areas of concern, including the lack of proper linkages and networking among departments, leading to duplication of efforts.
As a way forward, KCCWG and the Kajiado County Ministry of Water, Irrigation, Environment, and Natural Resources agreed to develop an action plan with SMART indicators and means of verifying the indicators on mainstreaming climate change and clean energy at the county.
