Turkana County is set to benefit from a Kshs 30 million investment by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to be implemented by the County Government of Turkana and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), to sustainably manage Prosopis Juliflora and create green jobs for the host and refugee communities in Turkana West.
The one-year project aims to transform the invasive species into an economic resource while restoring degraded land.
The Deputy Governor Dr John Erus, who presided over the launch, hailed the initiative as a significant step toward environmental restoration and economic empowerment.
"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," said Dr Erus.
Records state that prosopis has invaded 361,787 HA in Turkana. 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.
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 project.
Additionally, the Deputy Governor encouraged local communities to embrace the technologies introduced for converting the plant into economically viable products.
In a speech delivered by Dr Joram Kagombe on behalf of KEFRI Director Dr. Jane Njuguna, it was highlighted 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," said 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 target sites 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 that have benefited from skills and technology transfer showcased their products, marking the beginning of nature-based enterprises in Turkana.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including Lilian Ndinda (ILO), Dr. David Lang’at (Regional Director, KEFRI), Dr. Joram Kagombe (Deputy Director, KEFRI), Dr. Jesse Owino (Deputy Regional Director, KEFRI), David Kipsiele (Deputy County Commissioner, Turkana Central), Phoebe Ekali (Director, Environment), George Emase (Director, Climate Change), and Aaron Nanok (Director, Agriculture), Joan Kibet(KEFRI), Patrick Mwirigi(KEFRI) and George Muthike( Deputy Director FPED).