Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya: Lessons from Makueni and Wajir Counties

This research paper by the World Resources Institute examines the process of mainstreaming climate change adaptation into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) in Kenya, focusing on the successful experiences of Makueni and Wajir Counties. It highlights the role of County Climate Change Funds (CCCFs), leadership, and stakeholder engagement in accelerating the integration of climate risks into local development planning to build resilience against intensifying climate impacts like prolonged droughts.

• County Climate Change Funds (CCCFs) are essential for integrating climate adaptation into Kenya's County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). These funds provide the necessary financial and technical assistance for county officials to propose, prioritize, and implement resilience actions, while also providing training for planners on incorporating data regarding climate hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities into their plans.
• Strong leadership and broad stakeholder engagement are primary drivers of success in mainstreaming adaptation. In Makueni County, the governor's leadership was key, while in Wajir County, 'opinion leaders' such as agriculture officers and teachers championed the cause. Success also depends on engaging a wide range of actors, from national experts to nomadic pastoralists, despite the associated costs in time and coordination.
• Early evidence suggests that adaptation projects in Makueni and Wajir Counties are delivering tangible resilience benefits, specifically by improving water conservation and access, which in turn reduces the burden on women for fetching water and improves livelihoods for thousands of people.
• Despite progress, counties face challenges in moving from planning to implementation, often due to limited capacity and a lack of climate risk information. The paper recommends that county governments partner with extension officers and local universities to train new staff and improve the retention of climate knowledge at the ward and county levels.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya: Lessons from Makueni and Wajir Counties. https://www.wri.org/research/mainstreaming-climate-change-adaptation-kenya-lessons-makueni-and-wajir-counties

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya: Lessons from Makueni and Wajir Counties. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/mainstreaming-climate-change-adaptation-kenya-lessons-makueni-and-wajir-counties.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya: Lessons from Makueni and Wajir Counties |url=https://www.wri.org/research/mainstreaming-climate-change-adaptation-kenya-lessons-makueni-and-wajir-counties |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendmainstreaming, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya: Lessons from Makueni and Wajir Counties}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/mainstreaming-climate-change-adaptation-kenya-lessons-makueni-and-wajir-counties}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }