The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has intensified efforts to combat land degradation in the fragile Kerio Valley by distributing large numbers of fruit and tree seedlings to local farmers, schools, and community groups.
Ag. Managing Director Moses Kipchumba, accompanied by Board Chairperson Mark Chesergon, recently assessed severe land degradation along the Kerio Valley escarpment at Turesia and Kowochii areas in Keiyo South. The inspection highlighted the urgent need for restoration in a region battered by deforestation, landslides, and climate change impacts.
Kipchumba announced that KVDA plans to raise over 3.5 million assorted fruit and tree seedlings this financial year across its 16 nurseries spread in seven counties. The seedlings will be distributed to farmers for planting during the ongoing long rains season.
Support for Presidential Tree-Growing Directive
The initiative also backs the national directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. So far this year, KVDA has planted over 1 million assorted fruit and tree seedlings against an annual target of 1.5 million.
“We have launched the assorted seedlings distribution and tree-growing campaign targeting 1.5 million assorted fruit trees, 1.7 million assorted tree seedlings, 300,000 certified coffee seedlings, and 100,000 tea seedlings,” Kipchumba said.
The authority is currently distributing more than 400,000 fruit tree seedlings and 500,000 tree seedlings across the region. Recipients include individual farmers, schools under greening programmes, and community groups.
Tailored Seedlings for Different Zones
Kipchumba explained that distribution is tailored to local conditions. Farmers in the highland areas will receive cash crop seedlings such as coffee, tea, and avocado for both nutrition and income generation. Those in the lower parts of the valley will get mango seedlings, which thrive in the warmer temperate climate.
The seedlings serve dual purposes: fruit trees to improve household nutrition and provide extra income, while assorted tree seedlings focus on ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Partnerships to Accelerate Restoration
KVDA is working closely with partners such as the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) to accelerate interventions. The joint efforts include seedling distribution and community sensitisation on environmental conservation.
The Kerio Valley faces serious challenges from unchecked human activities, deforestation, and increasing climate variability. Landslides and soil erosion have become common, threatening livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem.
Long Rains Offer Planting Window
The ongoing long rains season provides an ideal opportunity for planting. KVDA officials are urging farmers to nurture the seedlings properly and integrate them into their farming systems.
The authority’s 16 nurseries continue to operate at full capacity to meet the ambitious targets. Officials say sustained community participation will be key to restoring the degraded landscapes and building resilience against climate change.
As KVDA ramps up distribution, residents in Elgeyo Marakwet and neighbouring counties are expected to benefit from improved environmental health and new sources of farm income in the coming years.
