Climate Change

Mombasa residents demand community representation on climate change committee

Mombasa residents give their views on Mombasa County Climate Change Bill, 2024 in June 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, June 10, 2024

"Communities deserve a voice at the ward level," Phylis Muema, a resident, stated.

Mombasa residents have urged the county government to select the chairperson of the climate change committee from the community, as they are also capable of steering policies and changes.

The residents proposed the change during a public forum last week, where they presented their opinions on the Mombasa County Climate Change Bill, 2024, and the Mombasa County Climate Change Fund Bill, 2024.

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Attendees also suggested expanding the committee to include members from religious groups, youth associations, and business sectors to enhance diversity.

Chairing the session, Leila Nyache of the Committee on Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Resilience explained the bills' objectives for achieving sustainable, low-carbon climate development.

Following the presentation, Nyache, who also serves as Kipevu MCA, opened the floor for public input.

Mwalimu Rama from the Kenya Community Support Centre emphasised the importance of private sector involvement, stating, "A representative from the private sector should steer the committee."

Phylis Muema from the Civil Society Network advocated for expanded committee membership to ensure diverse representation, reiterating that it should include representatives from religious groups, youth associations, and business sectors.

Leila Nyache, Chairperson Committee on Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Resilience, speaks a public forum discussing the Mombasa County Climate Change Bill, 2024, and the Mombasa County Climate Change Fund Bill, 2024 in June 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

"Communities deserve a voice at the ward level," Phylis Muema stated.

Moses Mutuma from Kipevu Ward asserted the community's capacity to lead, remarking, "Qualified community members should chair the committee instead of ward representatives."

Yusuf Ahmed from Nyali questioned the process of appointing community representatives, while Miss Karen (only identified by her one name) proposed including religious and human rights leaders at the ward level.

Dr Rashid Kaka, speaking on behalf of the committee, highlighted the bills' potential for fostering collaboration between NGOs, the public, and the Ministry of Water, guided by national policy.

In response, MCA Hamida Noor reassured attendees that their concerns will be thoroughly considered and addressed.

Leila Nyache, the chairperson of the Committee on Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Resilience, then accepted a memorandum from the Coast Civil Society Network for review.

Also present at the event were Vice Chairperson Hawa Abdulrahman and other committee members, including Nusura Mwinyi, Shuhudia Abdallah, and committee secretariat officials.