Dr. Jane Njuguna joins CS Dr. Deborah Barasa as KEWASIP is launched.

Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (KEWASIP) was officially launched by Dr Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry at Radisson Blue Hotel in Nairobi. The CS was accompanied by Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, PS for State Department For Forestry; Mr. Ephantus Kimoto, PS for Irrigation and Ms. Silvia Museiya, PS for Wildlife.

In her address, the CS said Kenya's forest constitutes 5% plantation and 95% indigenous trees.  Plantation is often harvested for timber and other products at maturity, while indigenous trees are never harvested. She added that Kenya is ranked in the top 5 in Africa in terms of conservation. KEWASIP-Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project seeks to rehabilitate watersheds in 12 counties and increase forest cover.

Dr Njuguna emphasized that KEFRI is committed to implementing its component of the project and ensuring every coin is accounted for. Other delegates present were: Laikipia Governor HE Joshua Irungu, Conservation Secretary  Mr. George Tarus, Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, NETFund CEO Mr. Samson Toniok and KEFRI Deputy Director for Forest Products and Entrepreneurship Development Dr George Muthike.