Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Prof Anyang Nyong'o (Kisumu)and Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma) during a presser outside tge Grand Royal Swess Hotel in Kisumu on Tuesday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO Kakamega county will host the inaugural Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Climate Change summit. Kakamega Governor Fernandes
Barasa said that the three-day summit, the first ever will run from October 15 to October 17 at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). The conference was earlier set to be held between October 7and 10.
The summit brings together Kakamega, Kisumu, Bungoma, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Busia, Nandi, Migori, Uasin Gishu and Kericho counties.
President Dr William Ruto will be the Chief Guest at the three- day the conference themed "Investing in Climate Solutions, Finance, Innovation and Action".
Key outcomes will include the Kakamega Declaration on Regional Climate Action, an inventory of bankable green investment opportunities, and the adoption of climate-smart technologies.
The summit will also explore blueprints for carbon projects, e-mobility transition, and waste management.
“I take this opportunity to welcome all delegates, exhibitors, innovators and stakeholders to the auspicious event,” Barasa said.
“We seek to mobilize Finance and Technical partnerships for Climate-Smart Investments, promote innovation in Agriculture, Energy, Water, and conservation,” he said.
Barasa was addressing a press conference alongside LREB chairman and Kisumu governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o and Vice chairman and Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka at Grand Royal Swiss hotel in Kisumu county after attending a special LREB summit on Tuesday .
Nyong’o added that counties will also strengthen inter-county collaboration under LREB framework.
“As LREB counties we are confident that this summit will ensure we drive policy dialogue and national impact as well as educate and empower youth, women, and grassroots communities,” Nyong’o said.
Lusaka reiterated that the summit comes at a better time when the country is grappling with issues of food security and climate action mitigation measures.
“It is time we mobilised resources to strategise and implement actions that will enhance climate resilience through well thought adaptation and mitigation actions,” Lusaka said.
