Trans Nzoia County today played host to a delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at the Westside Hotel. During the visit, Governor George Natembeya reiterated the county’s commitment to forging partnerships and collaborations aimed at enhancing livelihoods for present and future generations.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Trans Nzoia County Secretary, Mrs. Truphosa Amere, Governor Natembeya underscored the county’s significance as the grain basket of Kenya, emphasizing the favorable environment supporting agriculture. The Ukombozi Manifesto, a ten-point agenda aligned with the County Integrated Development Plan, was introduced, outlining key priorities for projects and interventions.
Governor Natembeya highlighted the county’s dedication to addressing the impact of climate change by allocating 2% of the budget (equivalent to 80 million) towards strengthening local climate resilience. Notably, this commitment has already attracted an 11 million grant from the World Bank, utilized for establishing structures like the Climate Change Unit and committees from the county to ward levels, crucial for monitoring and implementing climate resilience investments.
Emphasizing natural resource conservation, Governor Natembeya addressed the degradation of the county’s eight gazetted forests. Partnerships with entities like the Kenya Forest Service, particularly in adopting Sikhendu Forest and planting over 20,000 seedlings, demonstrate the county’s commitment to reafforestation efforts.
Agriculture took center stage in the Governor’s speech, constituting over 60% of the county’s economic activities. Acknowledging the need for diversification, the county administration is actively encouraging farmers to explore alternative value chains. To support this shift, the construction of a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) is underway, designed to enhance bargaining power and value addition for farmers.
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration with IFAD, Governor Natembeya specifically acknowledged the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project. Targeting over 2000 households, the project focuses on dairy goat, sheep for meat, goat for meat, and indigenous poultry.
In the realm of environmental conservation, achievements were noted in wetland and riparian land conservation. However, the Governor stressed the need for a mindset change among residents, calling for collaborative, tailor-made interventions to comprehensively address remaining challenges.
The county boss further reiterated the county’s commitment to conserving natural resources, thanking IFAD for unwavering support and inviting the delegation to explore the county’s tourism sites.
IFAD Director Agnes Womuteri affirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborative efforts in counties where their sustainable environmental management program is implemented. Stressing the active role of county governments, Womuteri outlined the purpose of the program: developing sustainable priority value chains to enhance income, food security, and nutrition.
Andrew Wanyonyi, the County Assembly Speaker, reported significant milestones achieved in the program’s implementation, with policies already at the county assembly level. A substantial $250 million allocation has been earmarked for the program, emphasizing the assembly’s commitment to prudent monitor the resource utilization.
IFAD Representative to Kenya, Mariatu Kamara, commended the county government’s efforts, urging a swift commencement of the program for immediate benefits. Kamara disclosed that the program will be rolled out in two sub-counties, namely Cherangany and Saboti.
