County Gvt of Homa Bay Risks Blacklisting Over Misuse of Sh358M

Homa Bay County Government is on the jaws of potential blacklisting from the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, over alleged misuse of ksh. 358M allocated for curbing climate change in the region.

This follows a lawsuit challenging Homa Bay County Government, on project implementation procedures which births controversies. The five-year program, funded by the World Bank and several European governments, supports climate resilience initiatives across Kenyan counties.

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An activist has petitioned the Environment and Lands Court, claiming the county failed to conduct public participation, environmental impact assessments, or obtain necessary permits for water projects across the available 40 wards in the county.

Citing NEMA’s concerns about fake receipts totaling Sh1.485 million, the petition claims that the county failed to establish required oversight committees under climate change laws, going against policies of FLLoCA, which require counties
to meet specific conditions, including establishing climate finance institutions and dedicating at least 1.5% of development funds to climate change initiatives.

The program is implemented through the National Treasury in collaboration with various government entities to strengthen climate risk management at both county and national levels.