Turkana County Launches Comprehensive Environmental and Social Safeguards Screening for Climate Projects

LODWAR, Turkana – The County Government of Turkana has initiated a new, rigorous screening exercise for all projects under the current phase of the Financing Locally Led Climate Change Action (FLLoCA) programme. The move is designed to ensure full compliance with national environmental and social safeguard standards, prioritizing community welfare and ecological sustainability.

The screening, which covers both ongoing and recently completed interventions, is a mandatory step within the national FLLoCA framework. Its core objective is to verify that climate resilience projects do not inadvertently cause environmental harm or social discord, thereby ensuring their long-term viability and community acceptance.

A significant feature of the process is the active involvement of local communities. Residents are providing essential on-site information and feedback, which officials say is crucial for developing accurate and comprehensive screening reports. This participatory approach aims to ground the assessments in local reality and knowledge.

"The success of our climate action hinges on it being safe, inclusive, and sustainable. This screening is not a mere formality; it is a critical tool to protect our people and our environment as we build resilience," said Edung Emase, Director for Climate Change, who is leading the multi-agency team.

Initial inspections have already been completed at three key sites

· Poya Borehole in Loima Ward

· Kabulokor Irrigation Scheme in Lobei-Kotaruk Ward

· Nalamacha River Protection Works in Nanam Ward

County officials confirmed that a series of additional FLLoCA-funded projects across Turkana’s wards are scheduled for assessment in the coming days.

The screening team comprises a cross-section of specialists, ensuring a holistic review. Key members include Jairus Napulo (Assistant Director, Climate Change), Kevin Ojiem (Grievance Redress Mechanism Focal Person), social expert Shadrack Okumu, Francis Emanikor (representing the National Environment Management Authority - NEMA), and officers from the Departments of Occupational Safety and Health (Kennedy Wekesa), Land Reclamation (John Etabo), and Water (John Elimlim).

The exercise underscores Turkana County’s heightened focus on accountable and transparent climate finance management. By proactively addressing potential environmental and social risks, the county aims to strengthen the impact and legacy of its FLLoCA investments for the benefit of its communities.