The Kerio valley Development Authority (KVDA) has launched a programme to plant six million trees in Samburu County with an aim of mitigating climate change in the region.
Speaking during the tree planting launch at Nontoto primary school in Samburu west sub county, KVDA Managing Director (MD) Sammy Naporos noted that KVDA will plant six million trees this financial year in line with the national government’s bid to plant 15 billion tree seedlings by 2032 to tackle the effects of climate change.
“This financial year we will plant six million trees in Samburu and Baringo counties and further promote the planting of fruit trees as a source of livelihood, income and nutrition to supplement existing diets in Samburu County.” He said.
The MD added that KVDA will also establish a tree nursery with one million seedlings within Maralal town that will be capable of increasing seedlings supply to schools, community and organised groups.
“I urge the community to plant trees and take advantage of the above normal rainfall that is expected in the region and also harvest enough rain water.” The MD said.
At the same time, Naporos confirmed that KVDA has funded the construction of six boreholes and four water pans in Samburu west and Samburu north at a cost of Sh120 million as a long-term solution against biting water shortages in the area.
“More than five boreholes are complete and the rest are ongoing and we expect works to be completed by November.” He said.
KVDA Board of Directors Chairman, Mark Chesergon noted that the already completed Nontoto earth dam has a capacity of 40,000 cubic metres and it is supplying over 15,000 households with water, over 100,000 livestock and an unknown number of wild animals.
Chesergon noted that the water infrastructure in Samburu west and Samburu north will not only mitigate drought but also diversity crop production and promote peace.
“We are directly impacting pastoralists’ lives by providing enough water for their livestock and vegetable farming, this food diversification reduces overdependence on livestock which leads to cattle rustling. Vegetable consumption at household level will also reduce malnutrition to children under five years.” The chairman noted.
Chesergon further noted that KVDA is committed to promoting conservation in ASAL regions and drought mitigation measures in the north rift which includes Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties.
The KVDA team of Board of Directors also launched the refurbished KVDA Maralal offices which will offer conference facilities and act as a one stop shop for their products such as honey and mango juice.
By Robert Githu
