National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) is training various groups in Narok County on Environment management in a bid to prevent environmental degradation.
Gloria Makao, a representative from the Trust Fund said the training is part of the Economic Stimulus programme being undertaken in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) to cushion the locals from the economic effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
Key in the training, she said, is the establishment of nursery beds where eight groups are being trained on how to successfully develop a seedbed and the best species that can do well in the area.
“We have professionals from Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) training the various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) that deal with the environment. We expect those trained to train others in their locations,” she said.
Makao said NETFUND works closely with the Community Forest Associations (CFA), Water Resource Users Associations (WRUA), learning institutions, women and youth groups among others to conserve the environment.
“The aim of involving the youth and women is to provide them with alternative livelihood especially during this season when many small and medium businesses were affected by the effect of Covid-19,” she said.
The Maasai Mau forest conservation Chairperson Patrick Naikumi said NETFUND has worked closely with his organisation to plant over one million tree seedlings that will later be transported to the Maasai Mau forest and its environs.
On his part, the Narok County Ecosystem Conservator Safari Opiyo asked the residents to plant trees in their land to achieve the 10 per cent forest cover.
“Those who do not have seedlings can visit my office so that I can help them get seedlings at an affordable price,” he said, adding that those who fell trees without a license from his office risk arrest.
Opiyo further called on those living near the Maasai Mau forest to help in protecting the forestland by reporting any suspicious person linked with destroying the ongoing fencing.
“The government is fencing the forest land so as to prevent wild animals that loom in the forest from entering the individuals’ farm yet there are some people who are busy destroying the fence. This is totally unacceptable,” said Opiyo.
By Ann Salaton
