Uasin Gishu: The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), in collaboration with the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, has launched a Schools’ Greening programme aimed at planting 1 million tree seedlings across West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Samburu counties. This initiative seeks to conserve the environment and bolster community livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, Kello Harsama, emphasized that this initiative is a significant step towards achieving the President’s directive to plant 15 billion seedlings by 2032. The launch also included the inauguration of water projects and the distribution of tree seedlings to schools and communities in Uasin Gishu County’s Soy and Kapseret sub-counties. The boreholes will provide clean water to schools and over 3,000 households, which previously relied on river water for domestic use and watering livestock.
Harsama noted the provision of 200,000 tree and fruit seedlings to schools in the county, enhancing both environmental conservation and nutritional access through fruit production. The PS also indicated plans to increase fruit seedling distribution, leveraging the region’s fertile soil to support food security in alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) on agriculture.
KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos highlighted the authority’s commitment to the greening programmes, revealing that 600,000 out of the 1 million trees are fruit seedlings aimed at enhancing community livelihoods through income generation and nutrition. Naporos also mentioned the completion of 71 water projects this financial year, funded by approximately Sh800 million, significantly aiding schools and communities in environmental conservation and livelihood transformation.
During the event, KVDA board Chairperson Mark Chesergon praised the government’s support, affirming the Authority’s dedication to water and environmental conservation efforts to empower local communities. The distribution of 200,000 assorted tree seedlings to primary and secondary schools in the county was also led by the PS, aiming to improve tree cover and contribute to climate change mitigation.
KVDA’s greening schools program plays a role in carbon sequestration, soil erosion control, and providing shade. The authority is actively engaged in environmental catchment conservation activities, including raising tree nurseries and planting tree seedlings in designated areas.