Vihiga County passes new law empowering communities to lead climate action

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo (left) handing over signed Vihiga County Climate Change Act documents to Environment and Climate Change Executive Mulongo Onzere while Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo watched at the back at the Mbale on April 8 2025. (Brian Kisanji, Standard) Vihiga County has stepped up efforts to address environmental challenges following the adoption of the Vihiga County Climate Change Act, 2025. The Act, endorsed by Governor Wilber Ottichilo, establishes a comprehensive framework to mobilise climate financing, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and integrate climate action into the county's development agenda. The law also places communities at the centre stage as key players in tackling climate change effects such as prolonged drought, drying water sources, and mudslides. "The new law clearly outlines the responsibilities of public institutions, private entities, and communities in safeguarding Vihiga's natural environment," Governor Ottichilo remarked after signing the law. At the heart of the county's climate strategy is an inclusive governance model, allowing public participation in climate planning and decision-making. This community-driven approach was first institutionalised through the Climate Fund Act of 2019, which laid the groundwork for climate resilience investments. Through this legislation, Vihiga pioneered the creation of Ward Climate Change Planning Committees (WCCPCs), localised bodies responsible for spearheading climate action at the grassroots level. The 2025 Act reaffirms the importance of these committees and is now anchored under Section 21 of the new law. The mandate of the committees includes facilitating citizen participation, improving accountability, and supporting effective monitoring and evaluation of environmental initiatives. The legislation marks a significant advancement from earlier efforts, including the Climate Change Fund Act of 2019, by taking a more holistic approach to both climate mitigation and adaptation. "What we are doing is part of a global effort and a major milestone. The Climate Change Fund Act, while important, did not address the full scope of climate change. The 2025 Act fully embraces this broader perspective," Governor Ottichilo said. The new law also empowers the county to access and utilise climate financing more effectively, ensuring that environmental priorities are central to development planning. A key driver of climate initiatives in Vihiga is the Financing Locally Led Climate Action Programme (FLLoCA), a support grant that has enabled grassroots-level climate interventions across the county. In addition, Vihiga allocates two per cent of its annual budget to climate-related projects, demonstrating strong political will and financial commitment to sustainability. Current adaptation measures already underway in Vihiga include large-scale reforestation programmes, fencing of wetlands, removal of invasive eucalyptus trees, and a range of water conservation initiatives-all aimed at restoring ecological balance. Governor Ottichilo, who also chairs the Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Council of Governors, emphasised the urgency of climate action and called on other counties to adopt comprehensive measures to protect the environment. "Climate change issues cannot be postponed further. Every minute of inaction is a blow to Mother Earth," he warned. According to Dr Richard Boiyo, Vihiga County's Chief Officer for Environment and Climate Change, the work of the ward committees is closely aligned with both the County Climate Change Action Plan and the County Environment Action Plan. "The programme's main objective is to deliver locally led climate resilience initiatives and enhance the county's capacity to manage climate risks," said Boiyo.

Vihiga County passes new law empowering communities to lead climate action

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Vihiga County passes new law empowering communities to lead climate action

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