Kenya: Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, has applauded a borehole initiative that will increase access to soft water for the Kenya Forestry College (KFC) and adjacent user communities.
Rigathi Gachagua was speaking during the commissioning of the borehole at the college in Londiani, Kericho County, early Saturday.
He noted that the initiative, which is a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, forms a critical approach which can be replicated in all forest areas across the country, not just for domestic purposes but also for growing trees and ensuring that forests and water catchment areas are preserved in order to contain the negative effects of climate change.
He reiterated the President’s commitment to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, noting that access to water is essential for sustained tree growing gains.
Speaking at the commissioning event, the KFS Board Chairman, Mr Job Chirchir, said the Board was keen to align its strategic approaches toward the achievement of the Government’s priorities, including the growing of 15 billion trees by the year 2032 and fully engaging the communities who are at the frontline of forest conservation and protection.
Mr Chirchir said the water from the borehole will be shared with adjacent institutions at discounted rates while the adjacent communities will access it for free.
The borehole, which was sunk with support from the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, has an output of 80,000 litres per day.
There were other ministers like: H.E. Hon. Gachagua was joined by the PS State Department of Forestry, Mr Ephantus Kimotho, the Ag. Chief Conservator of Forests Mr Alex Lemarkoko, Senior Deputy CCF Mr Peter Waweru, KFC Principal Dr Elizabeth Wambugu and other senior KFS, KFC, National and County government officials.
They also informed the public about their event and joining of ministers on their official twitter account by writing, H.E Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, has applauded a borehole initiative that will increase access to soft water for the Kenya Forestry College (KFC) and adjacent user communities.”