INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS CRUCIAL IN DEVELOPMENT PS-SUNKULI

Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forestry Mr. Charles T. Sunkuli, CBS [seated left in Suit], , The Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyongo’ center. Left, The Director Programmes, Projects and Strategic Initiatives/ National Focal Point Officer Ms. Agnes Yobterik, OGW and Right, LVEMP II – Kenya National Project Coordinator Ms. Francisca Owuor, HSC during a courtesy call to the Kisumu Governor .

County Governments play a major role in the success of development programmes and should be involved at all levels of the Project interventions.

The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Mr. Charles Sunkuli made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call to the Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyongo’ in his office.

The PS who was accompanied by the Director Projects, Programmes and Strategic Initiatives and who is also the LVEMP II – Kenya National Focal Point Officer Ms. Agnes Yobterik, the LVEMP II – Kenya National Project Coordinator Ms. Francisca Owuor, and other Project staff was on a visit to oversee the Project’s progress on its proposed transition to the third phase.

The PS decried the low tree cover in the County which stood at 0.4% and called for concerted efforts among all stakeholders in the region to ensure that afforestation programmes are well undertaken. He at the same time said the Ministry is looking into the development of quality seeds for adequate tree seedlings and seeds.

He enumerated some of the project interventions in the County including the Kisumu KISAT Sewerage Plant, provision of two exhausters to help in areas without sewer facilities among other interventions like Community Driven Development Sub Project groups who have benefitted from the project.

The PS stressed the need for stronger linkages and collaboration amongst stakeholders to ensure a cleaner shoreline in Kisumu noting that a lot can be achieved when cooperating with the County Government. The PS however, noted that the Lake Victoria Region boosts of a lot of Research studies which should be used to tackle the region problems.

The Governor Kisumu County Prof. Anyang’ Nyongo’ promised closer cooperation and working relationship with LVEMP II – Kenya in matters concerning environmental conservation and livelihoods improvement interventions of the Project and immediately directed the County Chief Officer for Water, Irrigation, Environment and Natural Resources to ensure that there is  a County Focal Point Officer for LVEMP – Kenya.

The Governor reiterated his commitment in environmental issues saying that they are soon holding an international conference on investment in Water Resources in the Lake Region. At the same time, he noted that they will undertake a study on water volumes emptying into Lake Victoria with a view to addressing the decreasing water levels.

The Governor concurred with the PS on the low levels of tree cover noting that this was very evident in the Sugar Belt areas among others. He said that they have started a campaign of planting 3 million trees this season. He added that they have targeted 2 tree nurseries at each administrative ward, each School child to adopt a tree and rehabilitate the major Hills like Nyatigo Hill among others that were earlier forested but now devastated by human activities.

The PS later chaired presentation on the progress of Consultancy Services for the Feasibility Study and Detailed Design for Londiani and Oyugis Towns’ Sewerage Systems at the LVEMP – Kenya Board Room. Other Project progress matters were also addressed. The Project meeting was attended by the Director Projects, Programmes and Strategic Initiatives and who is also the LVEMP II – Kenya National Focal Point Officer Ms. Agnes Yobterik, OGW, The LVEMP II – Kenya staff.

The PS seated center Chairing LVEMP II – Kenya progress and presentation meeting at the Project boardroom in Kisumu and below, a presentation on the feasibility studies for Londiani and Oyugis Sewerage Systems.