Kenyan govt urged to sensitise citizens on ways of mitigating climate change

By Bisola Adeyemo

The Kenyan Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, has called for joint effort among the tiers of government to sensitize citizens about climate change and ways of mitigating it.

Odinga said this while addressing delegates at the 7th Devolution Conference in Makueni County, KNA reports

According to Odinga, counties should enact policies, formulate legal frameworks, and also set aside funds to tackle issues impacting negatively on the climate.

He said, “I laud ASAL counties like Kitui, Garissa, Wajir, Makueni and Isiolo for enacting laws and setting aside funds to mitigate issues of climate change. This is the leadership we are looking for at the grassroots.”

The ODM leader said that Kenya has experienced high temperatures, unpredictable rain patterns, drought, floods, and rising sea levels.

“Our key enablers of the economy like agriculture, water, energy, tourism and wildlife are extremely climate sensitive. If we don’t tackle issues of climate change, our efforts to grow the economy will be in vain,” said the ODM party leader.

Odinga further said there should be increased agriculture productivity coupled with value addition and manufacturing for increased incomes and creation of more employment opportunities.