Embu County Department of Water, Environment & Climate Change

*Embu County, KDI Chart Path for Community-Led Climate Action at ASILI Futures Workshop*

Embu County Government, in collaboration with the Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) and residents of Dallas Settlement, convened a two-day ASILI Futures Workshop at Nokras Hotel, Embu Town, under the theme “From Vision to Action.”

The workshop, supported by Utrecht University and Swedbio, builds on the Embu Green Infrastructure Plan—the first county-adopted green infrastructure plan in Kenya—developed jointly with local communities. It seeks to translate community-generated visions into actionable partnerships and projects that promote inclusive, locally-led climate and development solutions.

The event brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders including Embu County's Department of Water, Environment, Irrigation, Climate change and Natural Resources, NGOs, academic institutions, civil society, development partners, private sector actors, and the media. Their joint goal was to co-develop equitable and sustainable pathways for Embu’s urban transformation through Adaptation Solutions and Inclusive Locally-Led Infrastructure (ASILI).

Participants, guided by Citizen Futurists—community members trained in participatory scenario planning—engaged in co-creation exercises to align institutional priorities with grassroots aspirations. They explored frameworks for resource mobilization, policy alignment, and long-term partnerships aimed at implementing nature-based solutions and resilient infrastructure projects.

Expected outcomes include jointly developed action frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and strengthened collaboration between the county, communities, and development partners. The workshop emphasizes transparency, shared learning, and accountability as central pillars for sustainable implementation.

By fostering strong partnerships between citizens and institutions, ASILI Futures positions Embu as a national leader in participatory planning and climate adaptation—demonstrating how locally grounded innovation can drive inclusive and sustainable county development.
Embu County Government

*SITE HAND-OVER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF KATHŪRĪ WATER DAM*

Embu County Government, through the Department of Water, Environment, Irrigation, Climate Change and Natural Resources has today conducted a site handover ceremony of Kathūrī Concrete Dam Project. The site was handed over to the contractor in Mavuria Ward - Mbeere South Sub County.

All residents of Mavuria are expected to benefit from the dam, which will provide water for both irrigation and domestic use. Water distribution will extend to individual homesteads.

The construction of the dam is projected to take only three months, at an approximate cost of Ksh 26 million. The contractor is expected to commence work immediately, with completion anticipated by October.

The local community, represented in the Embu County Assembly by area MCA Hon. John Ngari Mbaka is very excited and happy about the project, expressing gratitude to Governor Cecily Mbarire for ensuring water availability for both irrigation and domestic purposes.

"The people of Mavuria will be responsible for maintaining the completed project, as the contractor has pledged to hire labour from the locals." said Water Chief Officer Grace Murithi, speaking at site on behalf of the County Executive Committee member (CECm), who was away on other official duties.

She was accompanied by the docket's Director Eng. Albert Gatuta, Mbeere South Subcounty Administrator Joseph Karinga, the Governor's Delivery Unit (GDU) and representatives of the National Draught Management Authority, who witnessed the Handover.

The project aims to incorporate climate proofed technology and use of green energy for economic use and sustainability. The project further incorporates the aspect of environmental conservation and protection of water catchment, following a successful tendering process.
Embu County Government

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Embu County Leads in FLLoCA Project Implementation Excellence

Embu County, through its Department of Water, Irrigation, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, has emerged as a national leader in the implementation and functionality of Project Management Committees (PMCs) under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

A recent assessment by the State Department of Devolution confirmed Embu’s exemplary use of FLLoCA funds, highlighting well-coordinated and impactful projects across the county. At Kathima Spring, embankments for water collection have been constructed, complemented by bamboo and indigenous tree planting, alongside a nursery of 1,000 climate-resilient seedlings—managed by a dedicated sustainability PMC.

Ngirimari Wetland, the source of River Itimbogo, has been successfully reclaimed, combining greening efforts with critical water infrastructure development. The Kyeni Water and Sewerage system was upgraded, doubling water pressure and extending service to Kyeni North, Kyeni South, and Kagaari South Wards through a 2.4km pipeline expansion and four new tree nurseries.

At Kithimu Market, solar power now supports extended trading hours, empowering small-scale traders—especially women—with greater economic opportunity. Periodic water testing and borehole maintenance further ensure long-term impact.

Embu’s commitment to grassroots-driven climate action and resource management sets a benchmark for counties across Kenya; impetus to funding during PHASE II of the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP).

Embu Launches Phase Two of Youth Climate Fund with Ksh12.82 Million Boost

Embu County Government has launched Phase Two of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), disbursing Ksh12.82 million to support over 67 youth-led climate initiatives. Speaking on behalf of Governor Cecily Mbarire during the official launch on 22nd April at Winter Villa Resort, Deputy Governor Kinywa Mugo emphasized that this phase, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, significantly builds on the success of Phase One, which saw 31 groups implement impactful projects such as tree planting, waste recycling, climate-smart farming, and educational murals.

Noting that this expansion not only increases the number of beneficiaries but also seeks to deepen innovation, collaboration, and long-term environmental impact, Hon Mugo took the the opportunity to reaffirm the county’s commitment to youth inclusion in climate policy-making, describing young people as vital leaders in tackling the climate crisis. He urged the youth to form networks, launch bold projects, and engage with county leadership. Appreciating global and local partners, he stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. The initiative aligns with Embu’s Climate Change Act, advancing grassroots-driven, youth-led environmental governance.

Embu County Government , now recognised as Embu City in Climate Change Action jargon, together with Bloomberg Philanthropies mbergDotOrg, and have mobilised 68 youth-led groups comprising about 2,940 youngsters to launch projects that are delivering results residents see and feel.

EMBU COUNTY WORKS WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS TO PROPEL PROGRESS AT HOME, ENVIRONMENTALLY

The Green Bond Working Group conducted a project screening exercise to identify and evaluate top green projects for funding. The objective was to ensure that selected projects align with sustainability goals, contribute to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and support economic growth while promoting environmental conservation. The evaluation focused on commercial viability, sustainability, and scalability, ensuring that the projects have a meaningful impact on both the environment and local communities.

The screening process aimed to select projects that align with the government’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action. The initiative also sought to build public confidence by prioritizing farmer-centered agro-processing firms, addressing critical market gaps with evidence-based data, and ensuring projects are well-researched and backed by factual analysis. The committee was tasked with identifying projects that significantly contribute to the green economy while offering long-term benefits to communities and ecosystems.

The session was attended by key stakeholders, including the County Secretary, the acting County Executive Committee member (CECM) for Environment Raymond Kinyua, and the project screening committee. While officially opening the conference, the County Secretary urged the Committee to exercise due diligence in project selection.

The CECM for Environment emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that benefit farmers, ensuring a holistic approach, and relying on data-driven decision-making.

Following a rigorous selection process, the top five projects were chosen based on their potential impact and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These projects span various sectors, including Agriculture, Water, Environment, Climate change and Natural Resources, Lands, Housing and Energy amongst others. Their implementation is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable development and climate resilience while boosting the local economy.

Raymond Kinyua Rayie, OGW
Hon. Cecily Mbarire, EGH