Nyeri County has become a trailblazer in adopting innovative solutions to combat climate change by integrating solar energy into its development strategy. Spearheaded by the Department of Climate Change under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, Nyeri is leading the charge with initiatives that not only aim to reduce the county’s carbon footprint but also enhance economic productivity for its residents.
The latest initiative involves the construction of two solar driers at Chorongi and Thageini Coffee Factories. These solar driers are part of a broader effort to mitigate climate change impacts while promoting sustainable agriculture. The driers are expected to significantly reduce the drying time for coffee cherry beans by 50 per cent, allowing farmers to maintain quality while cutting down on labor costs. This efficiency boost is crucial for the coffee sector, which is one of Nyeri’s key economic drivers. According to Governor Mutahi Kahiga, these solar driers represent a transformative shift in coffee processing technology, helping farmers to cope with the unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change. “The technology marks a transformation in coffee processing by reducing reliance on natural sunlight and electricity,” Kahiga noted during his State of the County address.
The introduction of solar driers is part of the FLLoCA program, a five-year initiative funded by the Government of Kenya, the World Bank, and other partners. It aims to promote locally-led climate resilience and enhance the county’s capacity to manage climate risks effectively. The program also supports water accessibility projects across Nyeri County, including the construction of a water intake for the Gatei Water Project in Magutu Ward and the rehabilitation of seven boreholes in various regions. These projects are designed to improve water supply for small-scale irrigation, thereby bolstering food security in the region. “Through these projects, we are ensuring that water is accessible even in the face of prolonged droughts, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change,” said Kahiga.
Nyeri County’s commitment to combating climate change is further evidenced by its investment of over Ksh 100 million in climate-friendly projects. This includes the planting of over five million tree seedlings, a crucial step towards enhancing the county’s forest cover, which stands at 40.8 per cent nearly five times the national average of 8.83 per cent. “Our efforts in tree planting are not only aimed at increasing forest cover but also at enhancing food security by distributing assorted fruit seedlings to farmers,” Kahiga emphasized. These initiatives are in line with the National Climate Change Act of 2016, which mandates counties to integrate climate action into their development plans.
The adoption of solar energy and the implementation of climate action projects in Nyeri County align with broader national and international efforts to combat climate change. The ambitious campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 in Kenya, for example, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse deforestation. Nyeri County’s proactive approach, involving partnerships with organizations like the Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund Trust and the Kenya Forest Service, has already seen the planting of over 2 million trees in the last financial year. “In adherence to Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Department of Environment has made significant strides in environmental conservation,” Kahiga noted.
The county’s approach to climate change not only focuses on mitigation but also on adaptation and resilience-building. The installation of solar driers is a key example of how Nyeri County is using technology to adapt to the changing climate and improve agricultural productivity. Solar driers offer a significant advantage over traditional methods as they are unaffected by weather changes or power blackouts, ensuring uninterrupted coffee processing. “We had a budget to install three or four solar driers and have already done two,” said Yvonne Mathenge, Nyeri County Climate Change Director. “We are preparing to do another one or two more in other areas. It’s one of the priority actions we are taking in climate action and optimization of production in agriculture and manufacturing.”
Nyeri County’s efforts are a beacon for other counties in Kenya and beyond, demonstrating how local solutions can drive significant environmental and economic benefits. The focus on renewable energy and sustainable development underscores the importance of locally-led initiatives in building resilience to climate change. As the world faces the challenges posed by environmental degradation, Nyeri County’s initiatives, including solar energy adoption, water accessibility projects, and massive tree-planting drives, reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding the environment and building climate resilience for future generations. Governor Kahiga’s vision for Nyeri is clear: to be a model of sustainable development that other counties and nations can follow in the fight against climate change.
