Kerio Valley Development Authority is targeting to raise Sh200 billion in order to finance its key projects in the next four years for counties in the North Rift Region.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference in Elodret town, KVDA Board Chair Sam Kona said that the funds will be used in projects at the forefront in environmental conservation as well as economic empowerment.
Kona added that the funds for the projects will be sourced from KVDA’s income generating activities, as well as partnership with donor countries.
“Environment conservation in the Kerio Valley will impact positively the economy of the region. People will have a way of earning income and this will also reduce insecurity witnessed in the North Rift,” said Kona.
Among the projects identified are restoration of Cherangani Hils forest in Trans Nzoia County, Turkwel sugar project in West Pokot and hydroelectricity in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Other counties where key projects will be carried out are Turkana, Baringo and Samburu.
“Progress has been made in the rehabilitation of Cherangani watershed and we call upon the seven governors from the counties to ensure that other watersheds are protected,” said David Kimosop, the Managing Director of KVDA.
Kimosop added that in the next three years, up to five million tree seedlings will be distributed across the region.
He pointed out that up to 1.7 million mango trees had been planted in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bomet, Narok and Kericho Counties.
“Trees will be planted through terraces in all areas that have been deforested. No one will be allowed to farm near river banks,” added Kimosop.
He called upon governors from the region to rally together to ensure that the environment is well conserved, adding that in areas across the escarpment, there had been considerable environmental degradation.