Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Aden Duale, yesterday launched a Sh620 million Integrated Landscape Management project aimed at conserving and restoring the Mt. Elgon forest ecosystem in Bungoma County.
Speaking during the launch held at Kaberwa Primary grounds in Kapsokwony, Mt. Elgon Sub County, Duale stated that in a move to increase the region’s forest cover, Kaberwa Tree Nursery is set to expand from 1 to 2 acres, increasing its annual seedling production from 500,000 to one million.
“This expansion will support the restoration of the Mt. Elgon Forest, in line with the government’s 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme. This is meant to transform the livelihoods of our people, “he noted.
Duale noted that the expansion is also expected to create jobs in tree nursery operations, conservation, and related fields, stimulating economies within the Mt. Elgon Forest Ecosystem Project area.
In attendance were Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Deputy Governor Jennifer Mbatiany among other government officials.
By Douglas Mudambo
