Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, EBS joined Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Barasa, EGH, Principal Secretary, State Department for Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, CBS, Laikipia County Governor H.E. Joshua Irungu ,EGH, PS State Department of Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho ,CBS and his Wildlife counterpart Silvia Museiya, CBS,
World Bank representatives, Council of Governors CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and chief executives of implementing agencies for the official launch of the Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (KEWASIP).
The launch, held in Nairobi, marks the commencement of one of the country’s major natural resource management and restoration initiatives. The five-year project is expected to restore more than five major watersheds and improve the livelihoods of thousands of beneficiaries across 12 implementing counties.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Barasa said the project seeks to strengthen interventions aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, improving watershed services and enhancing the resilience of communities and ecosystems that depend on healthy watersheds.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary Mr. Mugambi underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in project implementation, particularly in the utilisation of allocated resources. He called on all implementing partners to work collaboratively to ensure the successful delivery of the five-year initiative.
On his part, the CCF noted that Kenya Forest Service (KFS), as one of the key implementing agencies, would play a leading role in ensuring the project’s success through the provision of technical expertise and implementation of activities aimed at restoring degraded landscapes.
He further observed that the project would contribute significantly to the achievement of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Campaign through the provision of more than 250 million seedlings.
“Through its mandate to conserve, develop and sustainably manage forest resources, KFS remains a key institutional partner in advancing watershed protection, forest restoration and the country’s broader environmental sustainability agenda,” said Mr. Lemarkoko.
The initiative underscores the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach to protecting Kenya’s water towers, restoring critical ecosystems and safeguarding essential ecosystem services for present and future generations.
