WATER FUND UP SCALED TO ELDORET

IFAD Mission team pose for a group photo during presentation of its findings to the representative of the PS Mr Rodney Omari

Water Funds for Tropical Towers Conservation in Kenya have ended their joint scoping mission in Eldoret and Mombasa towns.

Speaking today after receiving the report the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Dr Ibrahim Mohamed pledged support for the findings saying the Ministry is keen to see its implementation to ensure livelihoods are Improved.

In a statement delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary Administration Mr. Rodney Omari the PS thanked the IFAD Mission team for reviewing suitability of new areas for scaling up good practices and lessons learnt from the Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund.

The objective of the mission was to evaluate the feasibility of the two proposed water funds and consult with relevant stakeholders in order to determine project implementation arrangements.

Mawira Chitima (IFAD] Mission Team leader (left), Edith Kirumba IFAD Climate Change specialist (center) IFAD Consultant Ms Joylene

Out of the two proposed water funds the team agreed to reduce it to one and settled for Eldoret Water Fund with an agreement to change the name to include the broader area covering other affected counties like Elgeiyo Marakwet.

The fund will focus on the restoration and rehabilitation of Moiben, Sosiani and Kipkerren catchment areas which are the only sources of water that feeds Eldoret town.

The project will be financed by Global Environment Facility {GEF} Cycle 7 at a cost of USD 2.98 million and will focus on land degradation and biodiversity conservation in the catchment areas.

Representative of the PS Mr. Rodney Omari (Center) addressing the IFAD team he is flanked by Director Programmes Projects & Strategic Initiatives Ms Agnes Yobteric and Mr Olwasi

The GEF project is expected to have a cost effective solution where the water supply is naturally replenished and filtered and rural livelihoods are improved.

The IFAD Mission team was led by Director Programmes Projects and Strategic Initiatives in the Ministry Ms. Agnes Yobteric, IFAD team leader Mawira Chitima and representatives from the Nature Conservancy and other stakeholders.