Kaimosi Friends University and the Vihiga County Government today reinforced their ongoing partnership by co-hosting a crucial one-day symposium on climate change. The event, held at KAFU, brought together over 40 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to present innovative ideas and strategies for climate action.
Participants during training session at the climate change symposium, emphasizing practical solutions for environmental sustainability.
The symposium served as a vital platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing on climate change and cross-sectoral interventions. Key areas of focus included climate-smart agriculture, environmental protection and restoration, disaster risk reduction, and water resources conservation. The ultimate goal is to formulate tangible project ideas for community resilience.
Dr. Richard Boiyo, Chief Officer for Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources for Vihiga County, emphasized the urgent need for strategic partnerships to combat climate change. He advocated for stronger legal frameworks and policies to accelerate climate action across all sectors and lauded KAFU's commitment, urging a shift towards renewable energy solutions like solar power
"Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present challenge, and we all must respond with the seriousness it deserves, I congratulate Kaimosi Friends University for their commitment towards climate change, and I encourage the university to look into investing in green energy solutions such as solar power " Dr. Boiyo stated.
Participants attentively follow a presentation during the climate change symposium at Kaimosi Friends University, where over 40 CSOs gathered to share ideas and strategies for building community resilience.
Outgoing DVC Prof. Julius Kipkemboi underscored the holistic nature of climate change, stressing that interventions must begin at an individual level. His successor, incoming DVC Prof. Fred Amimo, affirmed KAFU's leadership in climate change initiatives and expressed eagerness to collaborate further with the County Government on advocacy efforts.
Prof. Kipkemboi in his remarks noted the need to be alive to the reality of climate change. He emphasized on the importance of looking at climate change holistically as it affects different areas.
“Climate change interventions should commence at an individual level as every individual has a role to play. The symposium should therefore help us best prepare for adaption and mitigation of climate change”, Prof Kipkemboi stated.
In his remarks, Prof. Amimo acknowledged KAFU for being at the forefront in climate change, mentioning that he was willing and anticipating to work with the County government of Vihiga in charting the way forward on more advocacy in climate change.