Devolution Conference: Raila calls for establishment of National Climate Change Committee

Addressing delegates at the 7th Annual Devolution Conference in Wote, Makueni County on Wednesday, Raila noted that the effects of climate change are evident and the need to mitigate it is inevitable.

“Kenya is experiencing higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, increased incidents of drought and floods and rising sea levels. Extreme weather events have led to loss of lives, diminished livelihoods, reduced crop and livestock production and damaged infrastructure, among other adverse impacts,” stated Raila.

“The key enablers of our economy-Agriculture, Water, Energy, Tourism and Wildlife are extremely climate sensitive. If we don’t tackle climate change, all our efforts to grow our economy will be in vain,” he added.

The former prime minister also lauded Garissa, Isiolo, Makueni and Wajir Counties for being among the first in climate change action through the establishment of County Climate Change Funds. 

“That is the leadership we are looking for at the grassroots,” noted Raila.

Raila also criticized aspects he termed as drawbacks to devolution’s goals, urging leaders to embrace change and discard old habits which are derailing national development.

“We must devolve more resources to the counties. This should not be a divisive issue. We must also overcome the challenge of insufficient allocation and delays in disbursement of funds by the National Treasury to counties,” he stated.

He further urged the government to tackle overlapping and duplication of functions by state agencies, corporations, and regional development authorities and also prioritize counties by making them the largest spenders in the development revenue.

“The Public Finance Management (PFM) Act 2012 requires that at least 30 percent of the spending should be on development over a medium-term.  Yet today, majority counties spend more than 50 per cent of their revenue on personal emoluments," noted Raila.

"This is where devolution is failing to change lives as it should. So we need to enforce and ensure adherence to the Public Finance Management Act.” 

Themed 'Multi – level governance for climate action' the conference was virtually launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta who is currently in South Africa on a State visit. 

It runs through Friday.