Homa Bay government distributed more than Sh12.3million to various groups to help in the fight against climate change and to enhance environmental conservation.
The funds were disbursed to 82 women and youth groups from all 40 wards in Homa Bay county. Each group received a grant of Sh150,000.
The funds were issued through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.
The FLLoCA is undertaken in a collaboration between the county and national governments, the World Bank and other donors. Each group will spend the money on planting 100,000 tree seedlings in nursery beds at their villages.
After the maturity, the groups will sell the seedlings to both governmental and non-governmental agencies and individuals.
The groups will also plant the seedlings to seedbeds to improve tree cover as a way of environmental conservation.
Governor Gladys Wanga gave out the cheques to the groups on Friday alongside, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga and Environment executive Joash Aloo.
“Homa Bay government will buy the seedlings from your groups whenever there is need,” Wanga said.
Both county and national government officials have agreed to purchasing seedlings for planting."
The governor expressed optimism that the programme is going to help the county in fighting the adversity of climate change.
She expressed concern that many water towers in the county are facing environmental degradation.
A number of forested areas that help in the formation of rainfall are facing degradation due to excessive deforestation.
They include Gwassi, Kodera, Lambwe and Gembe.
“This programme comes at a time when many forests have been destroyed through deforestation. Water towers have been damaged, too, and we hope the project will help us to conserve the environment,” she said.
