23rd June 2016.
CS, Prof. Wakhungu, EU Amb. Mr. Dejak, PS, Nat. Res., Dr. Mwakima, KFS Director, Emilio Mugo and Chairman, KWTA, Isaac Kalua during the launch of the programme
The Kenya Government and the European Union (EU) have entered in an EU funded programme – the Water Towers Protection and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, to support the eradication of poverty through enhancing the productivity of ecosystem services in two of Kenya’s five water towers – Mt Elgon and Cherangany, together with its ecosystems covering eleven counties. The programme is a six years programme with a duration from 2014-2020, and with a total support of €31,000,000 corresponding to KES 3.6 billion.
Launching the programme at the Hill School in Eldoret, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Prof Judi Wakhungu, who was accompanied by the European Union Ambassador H.E. Stefano Dejak noted that, the programme will improve the quality and quantity of ecosystem services provided by the two water towers, through increased forest cover, improved landscape and natural resource management / waste management systems, that will lead to increased benefits to communities from forest, agriculture and agro-forestry land use systems.
Launching the Kenya Water Towers Rehabilitation- CS, Prof. Wakhungu watering a tree at Hill Sch., Eldoret to signify the launch. EU Amb and PS, Nat. Res, Dr. Mwakima
Addressing the guests during the launch who included the Governor, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Eng. Tolgos, Principal Secretary, Natural Resources Dr. Margaret Mwakima and representatives of the eleven counties within the ecosystem catchment, Prof. Wakhungu noted that, the Water Towers Programme will help preserve the environment for present as well as future Kenyan generations, while improving the lives of the communities through ecologically and economically sustainable land use systems and livelihood interventions, hence providing a win-win solution for both the community and the environment. Thus, the programme is a key step to taking effective action in tackling Climate Change through sustainable ecosystem services.
On his part, the European Union Ambassador H.E. Stefano A. Dejak said the EU supports projects that ensure the highest environmental protection.
The programme is expected to enhance resilience to climate change by covering the Mt. Elgon and the Cherangany Hills, two of Kenya’s critical ecosystems, and will be coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Water Towers Agency, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute and the National Climate Change Secretariat as well as the eleven counties as the implementing agencies.
Thankyou for hosting us – CS, Prof. Wakhungu, flanked by the EU Amb. and PS, Dr. Mwakima presenting learning materials to Hill Sch. Primary Sch. (2)
The programme will also address a number of cross-cutting issues like climate change, gender equality, good governance and human rights and will benefit the eleven Counties of Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nandi, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot.
