By Seliphar Machoni
Kakamega County is set to double its budget for addressing climate risks and exploring climate
finance opportunities in the 2024–2025 financial year. This initiative follows recent heavy rains
that have caused significant property and crop damage, impacting Kakamega, among other
counties.
Peninah Mukabane, the County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water, Natural
Resources, and Climate Change, announced that the county government will revise its Climate
Change Act to include provisions for carbon credits. This amendment aims to enable local
communities to engage in the international carbon trade market and foster an environment
conducive to environmental conservation efforts.
“To create an enabling environment, we are revising our Climate Change Act to include carbon
credits, allowing communities to participate in the international carbon trade,” Mukabane stated.
She explained that community members could benefit from carbon credits by registering their
tree plantations. To qualify, they must commit to not interfering with the trees on their land for
25 years, even if a tree falls naturally.
“The condition for benefiting from carbon credits is that once registered, you must not cut down
or uproot any trees on your land for 25 years. Even if a tree falls, you should leave it as it is,”
Mukabane elaborated.
In partnership with the Kenya Water Towers Agency, the county's greening program has already
provided tree seeds and polytubes for raising tree nurseries, offering residents ample
opportunities to grow trees.
“We have established sufficient tree nurseries and seedlings. It is now up to residents to access
these nurseries and plant trees,” Mukabane noted.
The greening program involves 12 contractors, one for each sub-county, tasked with planting
fruit and indigenous trees in every ward. Contractors are also planting trees in schools,
encouraging students to adopt and care for them, with each child expected to plant and adopt 7-
10 trees.
“We encourage school children to adopt trees, teaching them the importance of planting and
nurturing trees from a young age,” she added.
The county has empowered five Community Forest Associations (CFAs) – Kakamega Forest
CFA, Mwireshi CFA, Bunyala Forest CFA, Malava CFA, and one in Lugari – to plant, protect,
and nurture trees. These CFAs have established tree nurseries and are selling seedlings to the
public.
The county is collaborating with the Kenya Forest Service, Safaricom, and Rhino Ark
Foundation to build a protective fence to protect the Kakamega Forest. The first phase, covering
15 kilometres, is complete, and the second phase will extend the fence by 34 kilometres into
Vihiga County, which is also contributing funds.
"Research shows that fencing forests promote regeneration and the return of original plant and
animal species, increasing tourist visits to Kakamega," Mukabane said.
The county is also partnering with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
and Nature Kenya to protect water catchment areas like the Yala River and train Water Resource
Users Associations.
Mukabane urged residents with land near riparian zones to plant suitable trees and avoid
cultivation in these areas to prevent soil erosion and protect their crops.
“To protect riparian areas benefits everyone. Soil erosion affects crop nutrients. Instead of
cultivating, plant fruit or indigenous trees and set up beehives,” she advised.
As part of its climate mitigation strategy, the county is investing in green energy, focusing on
solar power, energy-saving stoves, and hydroelectric dams. Partnering with Hydro Box, the
county aims to provide reliable energy and support local cottage industries, addressing frequent
power outages from Kenya Power.
“We have received United Nations funds to raise environmental awareness and take action on
land restoration, desertification prevention, and drought resilience,” Mukabane concluded.
Local residents have expressed support for the county’s initiatives. Jane Khavetsa, a farmer from
Shinyalu and a member of Mwireshi CFA, shared her enthusiasm for the carbon credit program.
“This program gives us a chance to earn from our trees while helping the environment. I have
already started planting more trees on my farm,” she said.
Another resident, Peter Masanga from Malava, highlighted the benefits of the greening program
in schools.
“My children are learning the importance of trees and are excited to plant and take care of them.
It’s a great way to teach the next generation about conservation,” he remarked.
Margaret Ndunge, residing in the Lurambi area near Kakamega town, a shop owner in
Kakamega town, praised the county's efforts in addressing energy issues.
“The frequent power outages have been a major challenge for my business. I’m hopeful that the
investment in green energy will provide a more reliable power supply,” she commented.
