The Kenyan National Treasury has disbursed KSh 12.68 billion to 45 counties under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) Programme. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster resilience against the effects of climate change through community-driven projects and capacity-building efforts.
During climate change talks in Azerbaijan, Peter Odhengo, Head of Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit at the National Treasury, revealed that 1,178 projects are actively underway in various wards across the country. “As we are talking here, people are working on the ground,” Odhengo remarked, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.
A Countrywide Effort
With projects implemented in 1,418 wards nationwide, FLLOCA has garnered praise for its innovative approach. Odhengo emphasized the program’s alignment with Kenya’s broader climate goals, adding that all 47 counties, including Nairobi the last to qualify have met the preparatory minimum conditions for participation.
The FLLOCA initiative, developed in collaboration with county governments, is anchored on the National and County Climate Change Funds. It equips counties with the tools to plan, budget, implement, and monitor local climate resilience investments. This ensures grassroots involvement while addressing region-specific vulnerabilities.
Collaboration at the Core
During a panel discussion titled “Climate Adaptation and Displacement Response: Innovative Gender-Responsive Financing and Operational Models for Locally-Led Actions in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings,” Odhengo underscored FLLOCA’s community-centric approach.
The session, featuring speakers like SIF Head of Mission for Kenya and Somalia Gorkhmaz Huseynov and Salome Owuonda, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Sustainable and Inclusive Development, emphasized the importance of locally-led climate solutions.
Owuonda commended FLLOCA’s emphasis on risk and vulnerability analysis, stating, “If you do not do this, you risk not having the right indicators to use in the monitoring and reporting.” This approach ensures that interventions are tailored to the needs and interests of affected communities, especially the vulnerable.
Transformative Impact
Odhengo described FLLOCA as a “game changer,” lauding its innovative design and long-term vision. The program departs from traditional funding models by rewarding counties based on performance and accountability. “The more you deliver, the more you get the money,” he explained, stressing that misuse of funds would have serious consequences.
The program’s focus on gender responsiveness and community partnerships has further strengthened its impact, creating an inclusive framework for addressing climate challenges.
Scaling Up Resources
With all counties now part of the program, the Treasury plans to scale up FLLOCA’s resources, potentially increasing its scope and influence. The initiative has already demonstrated significant progress in empowering local communities to tackle climate challenges, reducing their vulnerability to natural hazards and other shocks.
A Model for Resilience
FLLOCA’s success is rooted in its ability to integrate national, county, and community-level efforts seamlessly. By enhancing county-level capacity in planning, budgeting, and reporting, the program has established a sustainable framework for climate resilience.
Beyond the numbers, FLLOCA is redefining Kenya’s approach to climate action, fostering a collaborative environment where local solutions take center stage. This transformative program is not only addressing the immediate impacts of climate change but also laying the foundation for long-term sustainability.
As Kenya continues to experience the impacts of climate change, initiatives like FLLOCA serve as critical tools for adaptation and resilience. The program exemplifies how strategic investments, community involvement, and innovative financing models can drive meaningful change, making it a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges.
