I am pleased to address you today after hosting the Ms Karen Poore, the Country Director of Dan Church Aid, Bishop Musa Kamuren, the Chairman of NCCK in South Rift Region, and representatives from the North Rift Economic Bloc, who paid me a courtesy call.
During our consultations, we reviewed the progress and achievements made by the Ugatuzi na Haki (Devolution and Justice) Project, which the three partners are implementing in our county as well as in our neighbours Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties. I can testify that the Ugatuzi na Haki Project has led to an increase in citizen engagement in governance process by the residents in our county. During public participation sessions, we have recognized that residents in the wards where the project is being implemented produce well thought out memorandums that have clear proposals on the area of climate change. It is our wish that this capacity building of the community was extended to the other wards in the county. As the Governor I can attest that leading an informed and empowered citizenry is much easier and more productive than those who are not.
I further appreciate that this project is a continuation of the Community Resilience in the Kerio River Ecosystem (CORKE) project implemented by the partners last year, which culminated in the Inter County Climate Change Governance Agreement that we signed in June last year at Soi Safari Lodge. The fact that the Soi Safari Lodge has been swallowed by the Lake Baringo is a constant reminder to us that we all must urgently address climate change.
We therefore welcome all partners to support us with material resources and capacity building of our people so that together we can build resilience in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The impact of climate change in Baringo County is very real. Over the last one year, we have lost more than one point two billion shillings (KShs 1.2 billion) in houses of residents that were destroyed by floods and landslides. More than 4,700 households were displaced. It is unfortunate that with the resources available, we have only supported one thousand and twenty seven (1,027) households. We urgently need support to cater for the other households.
In addition, we need support to recover and restore public service facilities that have been submerged by flood waters. These include just over five hundred and forty million shillings (KSh 540 million) to rebuild schools, and fifty one million shillings to recover health facilities.
We really appreciated the support given by the partnership of NCCK, NOREB and DCA with Covid-19 management materials as well as cash transfers to our residents. We assure you that we will continue partner in this endeavour.
Institutionally, we will continue to work with our County Assembly to pass all the necessary laws to promote effective environmental management.
May God bless Kenya always, May God bless Baringo County always.
Signed on this 8th day of October 2020 at the Baringo County Government office, Kabarnet
| HE Stanley Kiptis County Governor | Karen Poore DCA Country Director | Bishop Musa Kamuren Chairman, NCCK South Rift Region |
