BAMBOO PLANTATION EXERCISE BEGINS AT KIBIRONG WETLANDS
Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forestry Hon. Mohammed Elmi, Kenya Water Towers Agency Chief Executive Officer Professor Maritim and other representatives from different Environment agencies today visited Nandi to familiarize themselves with projects being undertaken by Kenya Water Towers and other agencies within the Ministry.
The team toured Kibirong and Kingwal wetlands. The County Government of Nandi has set aside 50 acres of land for plantation of bamboo at Kibirong wetlands as a demonstration farm.
Speaking at Kibirong, Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot emphasized on the County’s commitment to improve the livelihoods of the community as well as conserve the environment. “We welcome our partners as we strive to improve our forest cover and capacity build our communities on how to appreciate the wetlands and earn a living out of it” she added.
Kibirong wetlands covers close to 500 acres within Kaptumo and Koyo wards located within Aldai Sub County. Among the socio-economic activities benefiting the community includes water supply for irrigation, timber and papyrus production, research and education.
As much as the wetlands has positive benefits to the community, the wetland also faces human threats like planting of eucalyptus trees around the wetland, deforestation for timber and firewood, soil harvesting and brick making and over grazing among others.
Other development partners present included officials from Kenya Wildlife Service, National Environment Management Authority, Netfund and Kenya Forest Service.
Over 1000 bamboo seedlings were planted today. Bamboos when well managed mature at 5 years and annual harvest thereafter.