Kwale county is set to benefit from a four-year World Bank-funded climate change programme.
The Financing Locally Led-Climate Action Programme will be implemented in partnership with the Commission of Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) and the county government.
It is expected to help the county come up with projects and develop appropriate infrastructure to mitigate the effects and address complaints arising from climate change.
Commission's chairperson Florence Kajuju said the programme is set to deliver locally led climate resilience actions and strengthen county and national government's capacities to manage risks.
"The programme focuses on building county level capacity for planning, budgeting, reporting and implementation of local climate actions in partnership with communities and strengthening of national level capacity for coordination, monitoring and reporting," she said.
Kajuju said the commission is expected to build the capacities of county governments in complaint handling and proactive disclosure of information for effective implementation of the FLLoCa Programme.
She said the commission has developed the County Complaints Policy to provide guidance on complaint management processes.
Kajuju said plans are underway to establish an Ombudsman office in Kwale to facilitate handling of various complaints filed by residents.
"We have spoken with the governor to assist us create an Ombudsman office to help address complaints at source," she said.
Kajuju said the commission supports peaceful resolution and does not like simple conflicts to escalate to the worst.
She said the FLLoCA programme is geared towards promoting inclusivity, fair justice and development.
Kajuju said the commission, through the programme, will work with the grassroots technical teams and provide technical support to counties in the development of their Access to Information laws.
The commission is a key partner in the programme based on its integral role in promoting administrative justice and access to information in the public sector.
The chairperson urged residents to make good use of the office to file complaints and seek assistance.
"If you feel like there is injustice, we are here to help you and we will solve the problem together," she said.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said her administration fully supports the programme and will work closely with the Ombudsman office to ensure fair implementation of projects and residents get the deserved justice.
She said the project is key in fighting climate change and attaining food security as well as promoting development.
"My government welcomes the programme and will support the Ombudsman office to ensure complaints are addressed and residents benefit from their proposed projects," she said.
Achani said it is inevitable for complaints to arise in any projects and Kwale government is determined to see the rightful projects are implemented and residents' rights are not violated during the implementation of the programme.
She urged residents to take advantage of the office to submit complaints arising from both levels of governments and seek justice for development.
"Let's not hesitate in reporting complaints because the office is there to serve us all," she said.
