𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 .

This morning, His Excellency Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa called on stakeholders in environment and climate change to unite in combating the growing climate crisis. Speaking at a breakfast meeting held at the Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, Governor Barasa said climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality affecting every aspect of development, including agriculture, health, infrastructure, and food security. He noted that Western Kenya, once a reliable food basket, is now facing erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and biodiversity degradation.

The Governor outlined Kakamega’s climate action framework, anchored in the 2023–2027 County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and supported by legislation such as the Kakamega County Climate Change Act (2020), Climate Change Policy, and General Regulations. He highlighted ongoing partnerships with the national government and non-state actors, citing tree-planting initiatives and the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem Restoration Programme as key milestones. “We are home to Kenya’s only tropical rainforest. Protecting it is a duty we owe the entire country,” he said.

Governor Barasa also announced that Kakamega County will host the *Climate Change and Agri-Expo Summit*, set for 7th–10th October 2025 in Kakamega County. The summit will bring together partners to explore practical solutions around sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. He urged stakeholders to support the county’s efforts, emphasizing that climate change affects all, regardless of borders or political affiliations. “Let us act now to protect our people and our planet,” he appealed.

The meeting was graced by Environment Secretary Dr. Sally Kimosop, who represented the Chief Guest, CS Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Mulongo Baraza, other esteemed partners, and County Officials.