State targets Cherangany ecosystem in restoration plan

The government and partners in the environment sector have launched a Sh690 million restoration exercise targeting the rehabilitation of the Cherangany forest ecosystem.

This ecosystem is also a major water tower in the Rift Valley region.

Under the plan, a fruit tree nursery project will be established at Chebara Agricultural Training Centre in Moiben-Kuserwo, along with other activities to restore degraded areas of the ecosystem.

The Restoration and Sustainable Management of Cherangany Forest Ecosystem for Climate Resilience and Improved Livelihoods Project was launched at a ceremony presided over by Environment CS Deborah Barasa.

Barasa said the state was working with counties and other partners to ensure it meets its plans and objectives concerning the conservation and protection of the environment.

“We are focused on protecting and conserving areas such as the Cherangany ecosystem, among other water towers that support life in all parts of the country,” she said.

The Cherangany ecosystem project was launched in Marakwet West.

Governor for Elgeyo Marakwet, Wisley Rotich, said the programme would lead to the production of six million avocado and coffee seedlings, which will be grown within the next year.

“This aligns with my administration’s policy on a ‘wealth creation strategy’ that involves all stakeholders and communities,” he said.

The initiative is a three-year project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and will be implemented through the National Environment Trust Fund (Netfund).

Rotich asked the CS to ensure that the community is involved in forest management, while also calling on the national conservator to take action against officers who mishandle members of the public, especially women harvesting firewood in the forests.

“The community should also be allowed to continue practising activities that encourage their participation in forest conservation and restoration by allowing farmers to cultivate land within young plantations,” he said.

In response, Barasa affirmed that community participation was central to the project and to all initiatives concerning the conservation and protection of the environment.

“Without our communities, we cannot make progress in achieving our goals in this sector. The government has a clear strategy to ensure our people own and drive activities that are aimed at conserving the environment,” she said.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, who was also present, said counties had an integral role to play in environmental matters and noted that the effects of climate change could no longer be ignored.

Others present included Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba, Environment PS Festus Ng’eno and PS for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Kelli Harsama.