Homabay County has often been described as a land of great potential, a place blessed with the waters of Lake Victoria, fertile soils, and an environment that could feed and sustain generations.
Yet, instead of only being celebrated for these gifts, the county is increasingly in the news for questions around how funds meant for development and environmental protection are being used.
One of the programs that has drawn attention is the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action program, commonly known as FLLoCA.
Many residents are now asking themselves where this money is going and what real impact it is bringing to their communities.
This concern is not new, but it has become louder as reports of mismanagement and gaps in accountability continue to surface.
The idea behind FLLoCA is simple but powerful. It is meant to help counties build resilience against climate change by giving communities the resources to lead their own initiatives. The program is supported by the Kenyan government, the World Bank, the German government through KfW Development Bank, and other partners.
Its goals include improving access to clean water, protecting forests, encouraging sustainable farming, and preparing communities for floods, droughts, and other disasters made worse by climate change.
In other counties, positive stories have emerged where the funds have gone into projects like solar-powered water systems and rehabilitation of rivers, which have created jobs and improved daily life.In Homabay, there have been a number of efforts under FLLoCA.
For example, a Ksh16 million water project has been reported to support thousands of residents with clean and reliable water. Other initiatives have included a partnership with the Ward Development Fund to expand access to water and create employment.
The county has also set up a call center supported by FLLoCA funds to improve communication on climate-related issues.
Additionally, a Climate Change Action Plan for 2023 to 2027 was launched, setting out strategies to deal with risks linked to changing water levels in Lake Victoria.
Homabay even joined the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative, which aims at strengthening disaster risk reduction. On paper, these developments show progress and align with the goals of FLLoCA.
However, not everyone is convinced. Concerns remain that the money is not being fully accounted for. Allegations of mismanagement and corruption continue to follow the program in the county.
Reports have suggested that significant amounts, including millions of shillings, may have been diverted or misused. In some cases, the county has even faced legal challenges over its handling of these funds, with talk of being blacklisted from future allocations.
Lobby groups have raised alarms about issues like land grabbing in forests, which undermines climate action efforts. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has also identified Homabay as one of the counties where corruption risks in resource management are high.
This situation leaves residents frustrated because they face the harsh effects of climate change daily. Flooding, soil erosion, and unpredictable weather threaten their livelihoods. FLLoCA could provide solutions, but only if it is implemented transparently and effectively.
The county government, especially the department in charge of environment, needs to publicly share details about completed projects, their budgets, and the benefits achieved. Without this transparency, trust between the leadership and the people will continue to erode.
Homabay has a grievance redress system under FLLoCA, including helplines and local centers where people can raise complaints. Residents should be encouraged to use these platforms so that their voices can be heard and funds better monitored.
Accountability is the only way to ensure the program achieves its purpose.
The bigger picture is that climate change is not waiting, and counties like Homabay cannot afford delays or mismanagement. With proper use of resources, the county could truly unlock its potential, turning its natural wealth into resilience and sustainable growth.
But for now, the lingering questions about how the funds are being used remain a barrier to progress.
The answers to these questions will determine whether FLLoCA becomes a success story for Homabay or another missed opportunity.
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