Germany delegation lauds Makueni for setting pace in climate change

A delegation of German MPs has lauded Makueni for the strides made towards combating climate change.
Led by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Country Director, Dr. Jan Cernicky the representatives from German Bundestag Dr. Christoph Ploss, Thomas Todtling and RonjaKemmer said Makueni made a landmark in fighting climate change after it became the first devolved government in Kenya and Africa to pass the County Climate Change Fund Regulations (CCCF).
In September 2015, the Makueni County Assembly passed the CCCF allowing the county government to set aside one percent of its Sh 5 billion annual development budget towards climate change adaptation.
After passing the regulations, the county also benefited from Sh 50 million provided by the Department for International Development (DFID)-UK to mitigate environmental degradation through rehabilitation of water catchment areas and forests.
Speaking at the county assembly when they made a courtesy call on  Speaker Douglas Mbilu the MPs said Makueni was a role model county in environment conservation and Germany was keen on partnering with it to fight climate change.
‘‘We are here to learn on some of the best practices that Makueni has adopted in preserving the environment and see the common areas of interest where we can partner to ensure sustainability,’’said Dr.Ploss.
MP Kemmer also hailed the devolved unit for its public participation approach towards development.
‘‘Makueni engages public participation in its governance which is commendable,’’ said Ms. Kemmer.
Speaker Mbilu noted that although the county government was committed in preserving the environment, sand harvesting still remained a great challenge.
By Roselyne Kavoo