The International Labour Organization (ILO) plans to invest Sh30 million in an initiative to sustainably manage Prosopis Juliflora commonly called “Mathenge weed” in Turkana County.
The initiative, which be implemented in a collaborative effort with between the County Government of Turkana and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), aims at creating job opportunities for the local communities as well the refugees residing in Turkana West Sub-county.
The one-year project aims to transform the invasive weed species into an economic resource while restoring the degraded land in the County.
Turkana Deputy Governor, Dr. John Erus, who presided over the launch, hailed the initiative as a timely significant effort towards environmental restoration and economic empowerment to local communities.
“As we appreciate the ILO PROSPECTS program and KEFRI, the County Government is fully committed to working with all partners to ensure the sustainable utilization of prosopis for economic empowerment of local communities,” said Dr. Erus.
Evidence shows that prosopis has invaded an estimated 361,787 HA in Turkana County. The rapid growth and the invasion to the rangelands and wetlands has since then been a challenge in eradication of prosopis species, especially in Turkana West, noted the deputy governor.
Acknowledging the detrimental impact of Prosopis Juliflora, locally known as “etirae”, on rangelands and wetlands, he welcomed its planned use in fodder formulation, as outlined in the initiative.
Additionally, Dr. Erus encouraged local communities to embrace the technologies introduced for converting the plant into economically viable products.
Speaking during the same occasion, Dr. Joram Kagombe, on behalf of KEFRI Director Dr. Jane Njuguna, underscored that the project will enhance resilience by integrating social protection, job creation, skills development, and livelihood diversification.
“A key outcome of the project will be the restoration of prosopis-invaded areas with pasture, food crops, and indigenous trees,” asserted Dr. Njuguna.
The initiative aligns with Turkana County’s commitment to inclusive economic opportunities for refugees under the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF). It is expected to enhance economic prospects for both forcibly displaced persons and host communities.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Audan Leah Lokala, confirmed that Kakuma, Pelekech, Lopur, Nasinyono, Lokangae, Morung’ole, Letea, and Loritit had been identified as the priority areas due to the severity of Prosopis invasion.
“During the mapping process, KEFRI worked closely with the Directorate of Natural Resources to identify project sites. We believe that small-scale farmers affected by the invasion will now have an opportunity to transition to large-scale farming,” Lokala stated.
As part of the event, the chief guest flagged off two utility vehicles and program equipment for Prosopis-based production.
Additionally, community-based groups will benefit from skills and technology transfer showcased their products, marking the beginning of nature-based enterprises in Turkana.
Others who attended the occasion included ILO representative Lilian Ndinda, Dr. David Lang’at (Regional Director, KEFRI), Thomas Siele (Deputy County Commissioner, Turkana Central), Phoebe Ekali (Director, Environment), George Emase (Director, Climate Change), and Aaron Nanok (Director, Agriculture), among other key players.
By Peter Gitonga