The County Government of Kisumu in collaboration with United Destiny Shapers have continued with community engagement towards River Auji ecosystem protection initiatives and preparations for co-designing of tree nursery establishment.
The initiative under the Generation Ecosystem restoration aims to restore the biodiversity along river Auji through Nature Based Solutions.
Today’s activity involved planting of trees, bamboo and Napier grass along the river bank.
While leading today’s tree planting exercise, the CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock Development, Fisheries and Blue Economy, Hon. Kenneth Onyango, said he was pleased by the work being done by the youths in Nyalenda towards the protection and restoration of river Auji.
He emphasized the need for the community to align themselves to the dictates of environmental protection and restoration in order to reap from the benefits of river Auji.
Going forward, the CECM promised support in restoration through waste removal and planting more trees. He further reiterated that after restoring the river and the floods reduced, then support will be given to the community to plat African leafy vegetables to boost food security in the County.
On her part, the Director of Community, Linkages and Partnerships of Technical University of Kenya, Dr. Judith Waswa was equally moved by the initiative taken by the youths in environmental conservation.
She urged the youths that the initiative is a noble responsibility to all and that the river has a lot of opportunities that can be tapped into to improve the livelihoods of the community. She also promised collaboration with the team in whatever way that will make a difference.
The event was graced by representatives from Practical Action, Undugu Society of Kenya and County Officers.
