Eldoret: The National Council of Churches of Kenya and the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration in climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and community empowerment. The agreement was formalised during a summit and prayer service held at the County Headquarters in Eldoret, bringing together key county leaders and religious representatives.
According to Kenya News Agency, the MoU outlines joint efforts in areas including climate action, dignified livelihoods, food security, education, health, governance and the empowerment of marginalized groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities. As part of the agreement, the two institutions will engage in joint project design, resource mobilisation, implementation and monitoring, with NCCK providing a framework for monitoring and evaluation. The goal is to improve community resilience and ensure sustainable impact across NOREB counties.
Additionally, the NCCK and NOREB signed an Inter-County Climate Change Cooperation Agreement, which will harmonise county-level policies and structures to enhance environmental conservation and climate response efforts. The event also saw the official launch of the NOREB Climate Change Action Plan, developed in partnership with the NCCK.
Speaking during the ceremony, Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang described the MoU as a significant step forward. ‘This is a special event in which we will widen and accelerate our work with our development partner NCCK. The Kerio Valley, where we started working with NCCK, has huge potential for impacting the lives of the residents and the entire nation,’ said Sang.
On his part, Uasin Gishu County Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii welcomed the agreement, emphasising that it is people-centred and underscoring the need for equitable development across all counties in the region. NCCK Chairman, Rev. Dr. Elias Agola, reaffirmed the NCCK’s commitment to working closely with county governments. ‘We are here to walk with every county government that is in place. Our message is the message of consultation, especially on matters of climate change and the betterment of lives.’
The NCCK expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration, particularly on climate-related initiatives, emphasising its long-term commitment to building a resilient and inclusive future for the North Rift region. The signing was led by Rev. Dr. Elias Agola, Chairman of the NCCK and Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi County, who also chairs NOREB.
Present at the event were Governors Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), along with Deputy Governors Dr. Yulita Cheruyot (Nandi) and Felix Kipng’ok (Baringo).