Lodwar, 18th July 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government of Turkana, through its Directorate of Natural Resources Management, has commenced the development of a plan to control, manage, and sustainably utilise the invasive Prosopis Juliflora plant.

The plant, locally known as “Matenge”, was introduced in Turkana in 1979 to combat desertification and provide wood fuel. However, the plant has since invaded land meant for pasture and agricultural production.

Speaking at a consultative forum, County Executive (CECM) Audan Leah Lokala emphasized there was an urgent need to manage Prosopis to safeguard against food insecurity, water scarcity, and loss of livelihoods for residents.

She announced that the county would collaborate with the International Labour Organization, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and the Kenya Forestry Service in this initiative. The full restoration of invaded agricultural land is estimated to cost up to Ksh 30 million.

Head of Socio-Economics, Policy, and Governance at KEFRI, Dr Joram Kagombe, urged the county to utilize KEFRI’s existing draft plan, which includes value addition of Prosopis products for economic empowerment.

Dr Kagombe, who also serves as the focal person for Prosopis management, noted that Turkana is the most affected county in Kenya by this invasive species, with Baringo, Garissa, and Tana Rivers also facing similar challenges.

Director of Natural Resource Management, Clement Nadio, highlighted that the Kerio and Turkwel riverine areas, critical wetlands, and Turkana West rangelands are the most affected regions.

He added that value-addition approaches anticipated by the plan are included in the current third-generation County Integrated Development Plan.

Chief Officer for Sports and Vocational Training, Leah Losiru, reiterated the readiness of vocational institutions to facilitate training on value addition to aid in Prosopis management.

She stressed that Turkana’s vocational centers could prepare youths for green jobs by offering tailored programs on charcoal briquette making and fodder generation from Prosopis seed pods.

Chief Officer for Agriculture, Jane Rose Tioko, welcomed the plan for its transformative potential to reclaim arable land lost to invasive species.

The consultative meeting was attended by community leaders and professionals from Water, Agriculture, Administration, Urban Areas Management, and partner organizations including LOKADO, Diocese of Lodwar, and World Vision Kenya.