The Government has initiated an aggressive afforestation program for Misango Hills in Kakamega County in a move to conserve the water tower that is a source of over 52 streams.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Economic Planning James Muhati led key stakeholders in initiating a tree planting campaign on the degraded Hills ecosystem.
The PS observed that the water tower was a key catchment area for rainwater in three counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, and Siaya and serves a population of over 23,000 people.
“Misango hills is part of Eregi hills, which is originally the Congo rainforest and is the main rainfall pattern determiner for Siaya, Vihiga, and Kakamega South zones,” said Muhati.
The PS said the forest is also home to several herbal plants, with medicinal value, hence the need to protect the ecosystem.
In 2013, more than 560 families living around the 103.7-hectare Hill agreed to move out to enable the government to set up a forest cover.
Muhati said Misango Hills has a unique history and will be the most preferred tourist destination for the Western region after rehabilitation.
“Honey from this unique Misango Hills ecosystem is known for many ailments treatments” he added.
The Kakamega County government has already mapped out five historical sites, among them Misango Hills property to promote eco-tourism culture in the larger Western Kenya region.
Others include Nabongo Heritage Shrine in Matungu, Mawe Tatu Heritage Site in Likuyani Sub County, Kambiri Hills Heritage property in Shinyalu Sub-county, and Lugai Stones and Caves in Malava Sub County.
Among the key stakeholders who took part in the exercise included Community Forest Associations, Misango, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), Women groups, County government, and National Government administration among others.
By George Kaiga
