The 7th Annual Devolution Conference that was postponed in August due to the COVID-19 restrictions is set to be held from 23rd to 26th of November 2021 in Makueni County. The last six conferences focused on various issues with a key focus on the devolution journey, the space of National and County Governments in the implementation of the Big Four Agenda and reviewing its implementation.
The 7th Annual Devolution Conference will focus on Multi Level Governance for Climate Action, in particular, Sub-national mobilization in unlocking the full potential of climate action during and after pandemics. The sub-national levels of government have a critical role to play in climate action with attributes to their operations at the local level being where the greatest impacts are felt by the communities. This, therefore, calls for a platform amongst sub-national levels of Government to discuss, share and develop a strategy together with the National Government and other relevant stakeholders on addressing climate change.
The focus on climate action has been necessitated by the adverse impact of climate change in socio-economic development in Kenya. This has resulted in poor living conditions in some areas, occurrence of floods, drought, unregulated release of industrial wastes and increased burden on health.
National and County Governments have a responsibility in ensuring that these issues are dealt with and that the population is food secure, there is use of natural resources sustainably, provision of affordable and quality healthcare, job opportunities are created and sustainable waste management employed both by government and private sector.
The event will feature insights from eminent guest speakers such as H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, The President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E William Ruto, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Martin Nyaga Wambora, Chairman, Council of Governors Kenya, Rt. Hon. Sen. Kenneth M. Lusaka, Speaker of the Senate Kenya,H.E James Omariba Ongwae, Vice-Chairperson, Council of Governors Kenya, and H.E Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, Host Governor, Makueni County.
The overall objective of the conference is Strengthening sub-national governments to act on climate change and develop stronger mitigation capacities. More specifically, it will enable County Governments to demonstrate bold climate leadership, deliberate on the impact of climate change mitigation measures and how to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to develop a Green-House Gas (GHG) inventory.
The conference will also provide a platform for the government and private sectors to commit on climate action strategies to be undertaken for the next year, and mobilize two million trees to be planted in the host county before and during the conference.
Important themes to be addressed during the conference are; The impact of climate change and pandemics on sub-national, national, continental and global peace and security; Climate change and disaster risk management; Finance climate action at the sub-national level; Vulnerability and resilience in the face of climate change and Effective waste management in climate action: From policy to community level. The conference shall adopt the dialogue approach through panel discussions followed by plenary engagements sessions and side events to discuss various climate action agendas.
The Youth Café is privileged to have been invited to take part in the conference; where our Executive Director, Mr. Willice Onyango will be a panelist in the Prevention and management of conflict breakaway session whose theme is “Prevention and Management of Climate Change Instigated Conflicts: Collaborative Responses.
The objective of panel discussion is to interrogate strategies that can be adopted by Kenya and organizations such as The Youth Café to mitigate and manage conflicts arising from climate change impacts. Learn more about the panel session.
The Youth Café will bring in the youth perspective on how youth can act as ‘Peace brokers’ and contribute towards prevention and management of climate change instigated conflicts. Other panelists that will be in the breakaway session are: Dr. Eng Karanja Kibicho, Principal Secretary, State Department of Interior, H.E Ndiritu Murithi, Governor, Laikipia County, Dr Asha Mohammed, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, Sen. Masitsa Naomi Shiyonga, Chairperson, Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration, Hon Adan Mohammed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development and Commissioner Sam Kona, Conflict resolution, Governance and Stability expert, NCIC.
Participation in the Devolution Conference is an incredible opportunity for The Youth Café to share our knowledge and experiences as well as learn more about Climate Change Instigated Conflicts and climate action at the national level and county level. In this effect we will be holding an exhibition for the duration of the event.
While active on a number of cross cutting issues; The Youth Café is dedicated to carry out activities that align to environmental preservation and climate change, and governance and political inclusion. The current youth bulge in Africa is an opportunity for development and economic growth, to this effect The Youth Café works with young men and women to make sure that knowledge and insight informs youth development efforts at all levels, youth-led initiatives are at the forefront of responding to community environmental challenges and they participate and lead interventions and environmental efforts in their communities.
Join us at this momentous event as we gather to share knowledge & ideas and bring youth voices to the decision making table!
Read the full concept note
Take a look at the event Schedule
Contact us for any queries!