On Tuesday, Principal Secretary (PS) for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, visited the Climate WorX site in Mukuru slums, located near the Lunga Lunga police station in Makadara subcounty. The visit marks an important milestone in the government’s efforts to address climate change challenges through community-driven solutions. Climate WorX is a pioneering initiative designed to empower local communities to take charge of their environmental future by promoting sustainable practices aimed at improving resilience to climate change.
The visit highlighted the commitment of the Ministry of Internal Security and National Administration to fostering environmental sustainability and community resilience. PS Omollo’s tour of the site underscored the government’s dedication to supporting innovative, grassroots efforts in tackling climate challenges while also improving living conditions in vulnerable communities.
Climate WorX: A Community-Centered Approach to Environmental Sustainability
Climate WorX is an initiative that seeks to integrate environmental action with community involvement, focusing on addressing the pressing climate issues facing informal settlements. The Viwandani site serves as a model for how environmental restoration can be achieved in collaboration with the local population. The project emphasizes key areas such as tree planting, clean energy adoption, and waste management all crucial components in reducing the environmental footprint of the community and promoting sustainable living.
PS Omollo, during his visit, spoke to the importance of Climate WorX as a transformative project that offers solutions tailored to the local context, where environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources exacerbate the impacts of climate change. “Through community-driven projects, we can create lasting change that not only addresses climate challenges but also uplifts the living standards of our citizens,” he remarked.
The initiative aims to promote climate resilience, which is critical as communities like Mukuru slums face some of the most severe environmental and socio-economic challenges in the country. The Viwandani site serves as a practical example of how environmental restoration can improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and protect the local ecosystem from the damaging effects of climate change.
Green Jobs and Economic Opportunities for Local Communities
One of the key takeaways from PS Omollo’s visit was the emphasis on the potential of Climate WorX initiatives to create green jobs for local communities. These jobs, centered around activities such as tree planting, waste recycling, and the installation of clean energy solutions, are vital for both addressing the climate crisis and providing economic opportunities in underserved areas.
“The local community has an opportunity to play a central role in this initiative,” PS Omollo stated. “Not only will these efforts help combat environmental degradation, but they will also provide new employment opportunities and contribute to economic development in the region.” By actively involving the residents of Mukuru in these initiatives, Climate WorX promotes self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods while building a resilient community that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
The PS encouraged local stakeholders, including business owners, non-governmental organizations, and residents, to take part in the ongoing efforts. With government support and collective action, he believes that Climate WorX can serve as a model for other slum areas across the country, offering solutions that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable development.
A Commitment to Kenya’s Sustainable Development Agenda
PS Omollo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, aligning them with the broader national goals outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Kenyan government recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and its effects, especially in urban informal settlements, which are most vulnerable to extreme weather events, poor waste management, and unsustainable resource use.
He further emphasized that the Ministry of Internal Security and National Administration is working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to ensure that such projects receive the necessary resources and support. Through initiatives like Climate WorX, the government aims to empower local communities to take ownership of their environment and contribute meaningfully to national efforts in climate change mitigation.
As Kenya moves towards achieving its sustainable development goals, PS Omollo’s visit to the Climate WorX site in Mukuru slums underscores the importance of community-driven environmental projects in building a resilient, sustainable future for all Kenyans. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on local needs, the Climate WorX initiative exemplifies the potential for positive change driven from the ground up.
