Amid the escalating threat of climate change, civil society organizations (CSOs) in Mombasa are urging the county government to enact a Climate Act.

They argue that without this legislation, the city cannot access crucial funding for locally-led climate action (FLLoCA) initiatives, which support counties in building climate resilience.

The FLLoCA program provides substantial funding for climate-related projects, including infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy, and community adaptation strategies.

Despite being a vulnerable coastal city, Mombasa has been excluded from the program for not meeting the required criteria.

To qualify for FLLoCA funding, counties must undertake several key steps. These include conducting a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment, developing a detailed climate action plan, and establishing a dedicated climate change unit. 

Unfortunately, Mombasa has not yet completed these prerequisites, leaving it at a significant disadvantage in securing the much-needed resources to address its climate challenges.

The exclusion from the FLLoCA program has severe implications for Mombasa. The city faces a multitude of environmental challenges, including inadequate drainage systems, waste management issues, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels.

 Access to FLLoCA funding could provide much-needed resources to address these problems and enhance the city’s climate resilience.

CSOs in Mombasa are playing a pivotal role in advocating for the enactment of a Climate Act and the subsequent access to FLLoCA funding. 

They have organized roundtable discussions with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to raise awareness about the importance of climate action and the benefits of the FLLoCA program.

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 Additionally, CSOs are working to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, who are often disproportionately affected by climate change.

To strengthen their capacity in climate change advocacy, CSOs are participating in projects like “Strengthening Capacity of CSOs in Climate Change Action.” This initiative aims to empower CSOs to engage effectively in policy advocacy and accountability, ensuring that climate finance is allocated equitably and used efficiently.

The urgency of enacting a Climate Act in Mombasa cannot be overstated. By doing so, the county government can unlock access to critical climate financing through the FLLoCA program. 

This funding can be used to implement essential climate resilience measures, protect vulnerable communities, and create a more sustainable future for Mombasa.

The successful implementation of the Climate Act in Mombasa will require collaboration among CSOs, the county government, and local communities. 

Working together, these stakeholders can equip Mombasa to tackle climate challenges and build a resilient, sustainable city for future generations.

Enacting the Climate Act would signal to investors and international partners that Mombasa is committed to addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. This could attract additional investment and support, further bolstering the city’s climate resilience efforts.

By enacting this legislation, the county government can access crucial funding through the FLLoCA program, address pressing environmental challenges, and build a more resilient and sustainable city for its residents.

The collaborative efforts of CSOs, the county government, and local communities are essential to achieving this goal.