2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The Climate Governance project in Siaya County, Kenya, aimed to enhance equitable and ambitious climate action by strengthening community participation and improving the effectiveness of local climate plans. Recognizing the significant climate vulnerabilities faced by the county, particularly in sectors like agriculture and fisheries, the project focused on empowering local actors and fostering inclusive decision-making.

Key activities included sensitizing Ward Administrators on forming Ward Climate Change Planning Committees, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to engage communities. A participatory climate risk assessment (PCRA) was conducted to ensure that the Siaya County Climate Action Plan accurately reflected local needs and priorities. The project strongly advocated for the inclusion of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in steering committees to ensure marginalized voices were heard. Furthermore, the project emphasized the formation of Ward Climate Change Planning Committees, utilizing the FLOCCA framework to guide their work.

Significant achievements include enhanced community engagement, leading to increased community ownership and improved responsiveness of climate policies. Ward Administrators were empowered to lead the formation of committees, fostering a more decentralized approach. The PCRA findings significantly informed the development of the Siaya County Climate Action Plan. Notably, the project successfully advocated for the amendment of the Siaya County Climate Change Act to allocate 2% of climate funds to ward-level institutions, ensuring equitable access to resources for local climate action.

This project demonstrates the power of participatory approaches in enhancing the equity and effectiveness of climate action. By empowering local communities, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and advocating for inclusive governance, this initiative has laid the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future for Siaya County."

• https://www.ciagkenya.com (External link)
• Community Initiative Action Group-Kenya (CIAG) (External link)