CLARS Project Launched at Kisii University to Champion Climate Resilience in East Africa

Kisii, Kenya – April 4, 2025 – Kisii University has officially launched the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategies (CLARS) Project, marking a significant step in regional climate research and community action. Held at the university’s Senate Chambers, the event drew 87 participants from academia, government, civil society, and international partners.

CLARS, a multi-disciplinary initiative, aims to tackle urgent climate challenges such as migration, gendered vulnerabilities, and indigenous adaptation across the Lake Victoria Basin. The project emphasizes participatory action research and culturally rooted methods like theatre, dance, and digital storytelling to engage affected communities directly.

Keynote speaker Prof. Cedric Nkiko from the University of Worcester stressed people-centered research and equitable knowledge exchange, while Prof. Krantzberg, joining virtually, underscored the importance of indigenous insights in modern resilience frameworks.

Prof. Fredrick Wanyama, Kisii University’s DVC (ARSA), reaffirmed the institution's dedication to climate-sensitive, gender-responsive research. A highlight of the launch was the WP3 fieldwork presentation, revealing how women in Eldoret are leading grassroots resilience efforts despite systemic challenges.

Dr. Peter Gutwa Oino, WP3 lead, stated, “We cannot talk about climate resilience without centering the lived realities of migrant women. Their knowledge, struggles, and strategies are the backbone of adaptation in urban spaces.”

As the CLARS project gains momentum, it stands as a model for collaborative, justice-driven climate adaptation grounded in local wisdom and innovation.

Here’s a research snapshot by Dr. Gutwa:: https://youtu.be/U9anrb4NVsQ