News Categories: Lands, Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change

KAPSABET, Kenya – As the world marked World Environment Day today under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” signs of change though modest are beginning to emerge in Kapsabet’s busy markets. Traders, once heavily reliant on single-use plastics, are slowly rethinking their habits in a quiet but meaningful shift toward sustainability.

Walking through Kapsabet Main Market today, one couldn’t help but notice the subtle but promising changes. A few traders had reused sacks to package goods. Others, like Beatrice Jebet, had arranged her mangoes and avocados in colorful nets, a practice she says helps reduce plastic use while keeping her produce well-aired and visible to customers.

“Some still ask for plastic, but I explain to them that it’s harmful to our environment,” she told me. “A few listen and change. That gives me hope.”

Not every stall has gone green, but conversations about pollution are happening more openly. At a stall selling second-hand clothes, David Kipruto was using a mix of paper and old polythene bags that he collects and reuses.
“There’s no denying plastics make things easier,” he admitted. “But if we keep dumping them everywhere, soon this market will be unbearable.”

Plastic waste has long posed a challenge in Kapsabet’s markets. It’s not uncommon to see plastic bags clogging drainage systems or littering the spaces between stalls. But today, traders and shoppers alike seemed more aware. Some carried reusable bags and woven baskets. Others brought small containers from home for their purchases.

As I moved from one stall to another, it was clear the effort may not yet be perfect, but it’s genuine.

I came across Alice Ngeno, a vegetable trader in Namgoi Market, who had set up a small corner with a sack labeled “Takataka ya Plastiki.”
“We’ve started separating it,” she said. “It’s not much, but we’re trying. If we don’t care for our space, who will?”

There were still traces of plastic scattered here and there, but compared to previous visits, the markets felt a little cleaner, a little more conscious.

As a local communicator and observer, I found today encouraging. It reminded me that change doesn’t always begin with big declarations sometimes, it begins with a conversation at a vegetable stall, a reused bag, or a cleaner walkway.

World Environment Day may be a global event, but in Kapsabet, it’s becoming a local movement one small choice at a time.

Earlier today, the Chief Officer for Health, Fredrick Kiptum, and his counterpart, the Chief Officer for Water, Jonah Tireito, paid a visit to Ndubeneti Dispensary in Kilibwoni Ward. The purpose of their visit was to assess the progress and services of the dispensary, discuss plans for establishing a maternity wing, and evaluate the functionality of the solar water project at the facility.

The two officials were warmly received by the dispensary’s in-charge, Ludiah Jelagat, who provided an overview of the facility’s operations and highlighted some of the challenges faced. The visit underscored the county government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring access to clean water for the local community.

During the visit, the Chief Officers inspected the dispensary’s operations and discussed plans to establish a maternity wing. Fredrick Kiptum emphasized the importance of the maternity wing in addressing the healthcare needs of expectant mothers in the region. He noted that the absence of such a facility has forced many women to travel long distances to access maternal care, often at great personal and financial cost. The maternity wing aims to provide a safe and accessible space for mothers to deliver their babies, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the area.

The Chief Officers also took time to assess the solar water project, which has been a critical source of clean water for the dispensary and the surrounding community. Jonah Tireito expressed satisfaction with the project’s impact, noting that it serves over 350 households and four institutions, including two schools, the dispensary, and a local church. However, it was revealed that the existing water pump is faulty and requires replacement. Tireito assured the community that the issue would be addressed promptly to restore the project’s full functionality.

The solar water project has been a transformative initiative for the area, providing a reliable and sustainable source of water. It has significantly improved hygiene and sanitation standards while reducing the burden of water fetching, particularly for women and children. Tireito reiterated the county government’s commitment to expanding such projects to other underserved areas.

The visit concluded with a commitment from both Chief Officers to address the challenges faced by the dispensary and the broader community. Fredrick Kiptum emphasized the county government’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure, while Jonah Tireito highlighted the importance of sustainable water solutions for enhancing livelihoods.

The Ndubeneti Dispensary remains a vital healthcare hub for Kilibwoni Ward, and the maternity wing and ongoing solar water project are expected to significantly improve service delivery and quality of life for residents. The Chief Officers’ visit not only highlighted the progress made but also reinforced the government’s resolve to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens.

As plans for the maternity wing take shape and the faulty water pump is set to be replaced, the residents of Kilibwoni Ward can look forward to better healthcare services and improved access to clean water, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the county government and local stakeholders.

The availability of solar-powered water projects courtesy of the County Government of Nandi have had a life-changing effect on rural communities in Nandi County, providing clean drinking water and lighting while eliminating hardships, health hazards and habits that contribute to climate change. The county government’s commitment to invest in clean energy has brought about real change, especially for those who need it most.

Women in Sigot, Kabisaga Ward in Mosop Sub County used to walk for long distances to the rivers to seek water, and often, the long queues at the only water points in the area would mean they could waste the whole day waiting. This meant chores at home would remain undone, resulting in other challenges.

Jane a mother of four and a resident of Sigot, reminisces about the hardships women and girls in her community faced. “The situation was terrible, especially for girls and women. Cooking and washing were difficult. We wasted a whole day searching for water,” she shares.

“With water availability, children’s health and school attendance have improved,” she adds.

Relief finally came with the construction of a solar-powered borehole by the County Government of Nandi.

The solarized borehole has become a beacon of hope for the women and children, enabling the community to access safe, clean, and affordable drinking water for domestic use and their livestock. The project also strengthened local water governance and management systems.

This water project currently serves over 120 households and over 500 learners in neighboring institutions in Sigot and neighboring villages. Mr. Charles a resident says the project has saved the community the agony of traveling long distances to look for water. “Today, this community has enough water and can practice kitchen gardening. Thanks to Governor Sang and the County Government of Nandi.”

Jonah Tireito, the Chief Officer for Water says the project saw the construction of the solarized borehole, water pipes, and standpipes within the host community. “We believe water access is a game-changer addressing this community’s health, livelihoods, and poverty issues,” he says.

In addition to investing in water infrastructure, including the provision of tower tanks, the County Government of Nandi has formed, registered, and trained Water User Committees. These committees are crucial in maintaining these vital water points, ensuring community ownership and sustainability.

Residents of Ndalat Ward in Mosop sub-county are assured of access to a reliable water supply, courtesy of Kapkatet Water Project undertaken by the County Government of Nandi in the area.

The project serves more than 200 households and neighbouring institutions.

In addition to the infrastructure components, the project boasts a communal water fetching point, and a storage tank catering to both human and livestock needs.

The Chief Officer for Water Jonah Tireito lauded the initiative saying, “access to clean and safe water is fundamental for every resident of Nandi county.”

He said Governor Sang’s administration has prioritized sustainable water management and community engagement to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the quest for basic amenities.

He expressed optimism about the project’s transformative impact on health, academic standards, conflict reduction, and the promotion of agricultural production for food security.

The residents in the reported that the water project has reduced the need for long journeys to obtain the precious commodity.

“We have really benefited from this water project, initially; we walked for longer distances in search of water. The water was polluted by sprays from people farming alongside the river and hence affecting our children,” said Mrs Kosgei, a resident of the village.

She noted that apart from getting safe water for domestic use, they were also using it for farming to generate income to support their families.

‘’As women, our burden has been relieved; we get water close to our homestead. We can now practice farming of vegetables. Through farming, we get money for women’s groups and school fees,” she noted.

The impact of such project extends far beyond infrastructure, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

Did you know there exists an underwater antelope? The Kingwal Swamp in Nandi County is home to the Sitatunga, (Tragelaphus Spekii) the rare endangered semi-aquatic antelope that is confined to Marshy and swampy habitats. Kenya has about 100 Sitatungas.

Sitatunga are unique in that they like to live in swampy areas with thick grass and reed beds. They make trails through swamps that lead to clusters of reeds where they can sleep. Their coat is oily and water repellent and with the elongated and splayed hooves they can walk on submerged vegetation and outrun danger in the swamps.

They are good swimmers and their escape when in danger, is underwater. Their lifestyle is basically sedentary although occasionally the do leave the swamp after dark to browse. Habitat and wetland loss are the greatest threat to Sitatunga as well as changing water levels as this has a direct effect on their diet.

However, the endangered species is at the brim of extinction occasioned by human encroachment brought about by pressure from the high increase in human population. Besides degradation of the wetland, the livestock, and at times dogs that accompany herders, disturb them. On the other extreme, flooding has resulted in displacing Sitatunga

According to Anne Tek of Kenya Platform for Climate Governance, who grew up and schooled in Kingwal Primary early 1990s, the area used to be a breathtaking site with large numbers of Sitatunga and Crane birds moving around.

She says the rare antelope species is continuously being displaced from its natural habitat as water levels increase in wetlands due to heavy rains. The trend is exposing the antelopes to the dangers of stray dogs and are also likely to cause conflicts with communities neighboring wetlands over destruction of food crops.

In a meeting that brought together stakeholders in the climate change sector including the civil society organizations in the Noreb Bloc counties, calls to protect the endangered species and Kingwal swamp has heightened.

The County Government through the Department of Lands and Environment will collaborate with Community Based Organization to improve the current status of the wetland and its sustainable management by enhancing local participation in biodiversity conservation initiatives, initiation of public education and awareness campaigns, integration of traditional and modern knowledge system of biodiversity conservation, reforestation and provision of alternative sources of income for the local population.

North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) counties will work with community based and civil society organizations to curb climate change in the region.

Speaking when making a presentation during a workshop that brought together climate change activists from NOREB counties in Kapsabet town, the sector lead on environment and climate change Joyce Mutai urged members of the Civil society and community based organizations to take active part in the fight against climate change. Ms. Mutai said that through the Green Climate fund, NOREB will work with the county governments and other partners to fund projects on climate change. Nandi county has already passed the climate change act and will form and fund committees in the ward level to help in the fight against climate change.   

The public will elect members from youth, women, persons with disability groups and community based organizations or public benefits organizations to be members of the committee. There will be one environment officer and the ward administrator will be an ex-officio in the committee.

The County Director for environment and natural resources in Nandi County James Melly said that the election of committee members will take place soon in different wards.

In recent years, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeiyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Baringo and Trans Nzoia have experienced a change in weather patterns which has led to floods, increased drought, hunger, and poor nutrition due to the production of insufficient food, severe storms, landslides and hotter temperatures which have negatively affected livelihoods in the region.

Through the department of Lands, environment and natural resources, the County Government of Nandi has restored catchment areas and forests. The department with the help of CBOs have established tree nurseries, planted indigenous trees in degraded landscapes and created awareness on climate change in the community. The 2-day workshop was facilitated by Panafric Climate Justice Alliance PACJA and it brought together 50 participants from the NOREB counties. PACJA is the largest alliance of civil society organizations with members in over 45 countries in Africa.

Nandi county played host to Climate change advocacy forum that brought together the counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu and West Pokot in a bid to identify, prioritize and finance investments to reduce climate risk and achieve adaptation priorities.

The two-day seminar by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), through the Kenyan Designated Platform, Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (KPCG), are in Nandi county to officially launch a platform for climate governance, with an aim of strengthening Climate Justice movements that anchor CSO efforts on climate Justice in the Noreb counties to gel climate change actors, community-based organizations and civil society organizations on climate change within the Counties.

The effects of climate change in Nandi are extensive, affecting approximately 83% of farming households. Excess rainfall, low temperatures, frost and hailstorms, and changes to the growing seasons are the most prevalent climatic hazards in the county.

The County Government of Nandi has prioritized environmental conservation as it seeks to contribute to the goals of the Paris Agreement that is within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Director for Lands Environment and Natural Resources James Melly, the Climate Change Action plan that is already in place has helped the county rehabilitate the riparian lands, wetlands and Nandi Escarpment.

He reiterated that the county will strengthen its existing structures such as the climate change champions from the county’s staff in the various departments, to lead the process. The climate change champions will be capacitated on how to mainstream climate action in their various sector plans such as water, agriculture, gender and infrastructure and develop project proposals for climate finance and be able to raise awareness and educate the community on climate change.

The Government of Nandi is fully committed to delivering all the promises it gave to its residents. Despite inheriting stalled and poorly done water projects, Governor Sang’s administration has rehabilitated and launched new ones in a bid to ensure residents have access to clean and sustained water supply.

Governor Stephen Sang has been on a development tour around the county commissioning projects including ECDEs, dispensaries, maternity wings and water projects. He officially launched Chepteon water project and Kaikaro Biribiriet water project both in Ngechek ward. The two projects will serve several institutions in the area and more than 700 households. Chepteon will serve 400 households while Kaikaro Biribiriet will serve 300 households. The two projects also aim to improve agribusiness as the county is considered one of Kenya’s bread baskets.  The jubilant residents thanked the governor for delivering his promise since he last visited the area as they have always wanted water at their doorstep. The residents also requested that the distribution network be expanded so that it can serve more people.

Present at the launch was CECM Lands, Water, Environment and Natural Resources Dr Bureti Philemon, CECM  Roads and infrastructure Drice Rono, MCA Ngechek Ward David Bwambok and Director Richard Lelei. The Governor thanked the people for the warm reception they accorded him and promised to deliver on the pledges he  made.

The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Lands, Water, Environment and Natural Resources has partnered with the Trust Fund in establishing a Treated Sewer plant in Baraton within the Chesumei Sub-County.
To ease the achievement of the project, the county government, through the sub-sector of water, held a public participation at Baraton. This is to ensure that the residents are engaged for successful program implementation.
The sewer plant will help in decentralizing and managing waste water from individual dwellings, industrial or institutional facilities, and clusters of homes or businesses.

Chief officer Daniel Sang

The department will conduct site-specific evaluation to determine the appropriate type of treatment system each location will have.
During the public participation the residents urged the department to ensure that the plant is built far from their residential area so as to prevent possible health hazards that might affect them.

They further urged the county government that once the plant is up for use, the department should ensure that maintenance of the plant is done after six month. This will help in preventing leakage and contamination of water sources.
Daniel Sang, the Chief Officer for the water and Environment sub-sector assured the residents that during the onset of the project, the department will ensure accuracy in mapping to clearly shows the location of all parts of the sewage system for easy maintenance.

Trust Fund Representative David Cheruiyot, told the residents that through their partnership with the county, they will ensure that the plant will be set up and that they’ll ensure timely maintenance.
The project will be beneficial to more than 200 households within Baraton.

The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Water is keen to provide access to clean and piped water to its residents. Currently four boreholes have been drilled in the financial year 2021/2022. These include Siginwai Primary School in Terik Ward, Aldai Subcounty, Ndubeneti Dispensary, Kilibwoni Ward in Emgwen Subcounty, AIC Kosirai Academy in Kosirai Ward, Chesumei Subcounty and Sigowet Primary School in Tindiret Ward in Tindiret Subcounty.

Speaking during the drilling exercise at Ndubeneti Dispensary, the CECM incharge of Lands, Environment, Water, Natural Resources and Climate Change Dr Philemon Bureti said that the project will serve the nearby school, church and the neighboring community targetting more than 100 households. He added that the department has further identified 8 more sites in different wards where borehole drilling will take place.

Governor Stephen Sang noted that water is a challenge in most parts of the county thus the government intends to ensure every village is connected to clean piped water which shall be achieved by drilling and equipping of boreholes in identified sites across Nandi County.

“We want to make sure that water becomes a priority especially in public institutions such as dispensaries, hospitals and schools. We don’t want to see our school going children carrying cans to go and fetch water from a nearby river. We are putting that to an end.” He added.

The governor made the remarks while overseeing the drilling of a borehole at AIC Kosirai Academy in Kosirai Ward, Chesumei Subcounty.