As the first phase of Kenya’s flagship Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme ends, its achievements offer valuable lessons for the next phase.
Over five years, the initiative has supported more than 2,200 community projects, according to the National Treasury, backed by a World Bank credit of US$150 million and other development partners. All 47 counties have also enacted laws establishing county climate change funds.
However, the programme’s next phase must strengthen communities’ influence over funding decisions, project implementation and accountability. Ward Climate Change Planning Committees have involved residents in identifying climate risks and proposing solutions.
A September 2026 assessment by Natural Justice in Makueni, Kisumu, Isiolo, Kilifi and Nyandarua counties found that more than 91 percent of respondents had participated in climate risk assessments and ward-level planning.
Yet participation does not guarantee influence. The assessment found that funding often favoured larger infrastructure projects managed through county systems, while smaller community priorities received less attention. Political interests also influenced implementation priorities.
Communities should have a meaningful say in determining which projects receive funding. While county officials and engineers must uphold procurement rules, technical expertise should complement, not override, residents’ priorities. Civil society organisations also have a role in protecting community interests.
As FLLoCA moves towards a potential second phase in 2027, counties should publish ward-level priorities alongside approved projects and explain significant changes. Project sites should display costs, contractors, timelines and expected outcomes. Residents should also be able to monitor implementation and raise concerns before final payments are approved.
Independent community monitoring and impartial grievance mechanisms are equally essential. The assessment found that only Makueni had allocated resources to ward committees for project monitoring.
Counties must also demonstrate how projects address the needs of women, young people, per-sons with disabilities and pastoralist communities.
Small-grants programmes, supported by financial training and technical assistance, could help local groups implement adaptation projects while maintaining accountability.