When climate change threatens livelihoods, Trans Nzoia County is responding with strong legislative action. The county government is drafting four new environmental bills. These include laws on solid waste, forest conservation, climate change, and sand quarry management. The aim is to support climate mitigation and ensure sustainability.
Solid waste in urban areas will now be managed by municipal boards. However, rural areas will remain under the environment department. The new laws also propose a joint effort between the county executive and environment committee to plan solid waste handling. They will also launch public awareness campaigns and introduce fair waste management fees.
Moreover, these laws emerged through wide community participation. Input came from climate units and ward planning committees in all 25 wards. This engagement has received praise from stakeholders. They say it promotes ownership and ensures local needs guide action.
According to County Environment Director Godfrey Wekesa, the County Assembly will soon consider the bills. Once passed, they will support projects under the World Bank’s FLoCCA program. Trans Nzoia received Sh192 million through the Climate Change Resilience Investment Grant. It also allocated Sh47 million of its own budget, plus Sh28 million from partners.
In Waitaluk Ward, communities planted over 3,000 trees near Wamuini Dam. The forest bill supports such efforts by increasing tree cover and carbon storage. The sand management law will also prevent land damage.
Mr Wekesa urged local committees to focus on large, high-impact climate projects. This way, communities will build resilience and secure their future.
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