Nairobi:West Pokot An inspection of a 350,000-seedling tree nursery in West Pokot County highlights the importance of early preparedness, environmental conservation, and water harvesting as heavy rains associated with the El Ni±o weather phenomenon are expected.
According to Kenya News Agency, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs, ASALs, and Regional Development Beatrice Askul visited the Chepsurur Tree nursery in West Pokot Sub-County. This nursery is one of 16 established by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) across its jurisdiction, aimed at enhancing readiness for the upcoming rains.
The inspection aligns with weather advisories urging early action from communities, farmers, pastoralists, and government agencies. The Kenya Meteorological Department provides forecasts to support agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness, emphasizing the need to translate weather information into practical measures.
Preparations are crucial for West Pokot, which features both highland water catchment areas and downstream arid lands reliant on rivers and other water sources. Askul emphasized the assessment of the region’s readiness to capitalize on the expected rains while mitigating associated risks.
Environmental conservation is critical for the wellbeing of communities in ASAL areas where water scarcity is exacerbated by drought and climate change. Askul highlighted the government’s allocation of resources for tree seedling production and distribution, with KVDA supporting conservation activities.
KVDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Moses Kipchumba noted that the anticipated rains present an opportunity to plant trees and increase the country’s tree cover. The seedlings will aid in restoring the Cherangany landscape and other areas, protecting soils, improving water retention, and sustaining water resources.
The Chepsurur nursery, with 350,000 seedlings ready for planting, also creates employment opportunities for women and youth, promoting environmental conservation and community livelihoods. Kipchumba underlined KVDA’s role in river basin management and environmental conservation to secure water resources.
Askul warned against waiting for the rains to start before taking precautions. In pastoral areas, communities are advised to move away from rivers to avoid flooding risks. Farmers are urged to harvest and store crops properly, while pastoralists should secure pasture and prepare for livestock needs.
The government plans to continue raising awareness and mobilizing communities along the Turkwel River for environmental conservation efforts. Additional seedlings will be available for community tree-planting activities.
This initiative also supports economic empowerment, with tree and fruit nurseries creating jobs for local women and youth. Communities are encouraged to establish their own nurseries, generating income from seedlings and tree products.
Overall, the inspection underscored the importance of translating early warnings into preparedness measures to protect lives, infrastructure, livelihoods, and water resources. The success of such initiatives depends on coordinated efforts by governments, agencies, and communities to harness the rains for resilience and risk reduction.
