The Uasin Gishu County has validated priority Focal Development Areas (FDAs) under the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (InReMP), clearing the way for targeted investments aimed at boosting climate-resilient farming and protecting natural resources in the region.
The validation workshop, held in Eldoret under the theme “One Team, One Vision, One Programme,” marks a key step in directing InReMP support to areas where it can deliver the greatest impact on farmers, communities, and the environment.
The validation process revealed that InReMP targets 169,600 hectares of climate-resilient land, 33,200 hectares under forest cover, and 305,382 households to adopt climate-resilient technologies and practices by the programme’s completion across the county.
Beyond the core land and household targets, the programme aims to place a further 13,900 hectares under sustainable land management as well as establish 25 weather stations, 25 river gauges, 25 water laboratories, and 25 soil laboratories and supply 2,000 farmer soil-testing kits to strengthen climate, water, and soil monitoring.
An additional 35,000 households are targeted with efficient cook stoves, while at least 300 schools will be greened.
The programme will, in addition, support interventions to protect water resources, improve catchment management, strengthen agricultural livelihoods, and build community resilience to climate shocks.
The County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Agribusiness, Livestock, and Fisheries Dr. Sam Kotut led the exercise and stressed its importance.
“This process is critical in ensuring that InReMP interventions are properly targeted and aligned with the needs and priorities of our communities,” Kotut said.
“The validation gives us a clear basis for directing resources to priority areas, especially those facing challenges related to catchments, water resources, wetlands and other natural resources that underpin agricultural production and livelihoods,” he added.
The official noted the devolved unit remained fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the programme delivers practical benefits to the locals, while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.
Addressing the forum, InReMP Director Nathan Koech underscored the value of the validation for programme implementation.
“This exercise is essential in guiding how we roll out InReMP. It ensures the identified areas are properly validated before any interventions begin on the ground,” remarked Koech.
Participants reviewed the completed geographical mapping, examined the proposed areas, and formally validated the Focal Development Areas.
They passed resolutions on the mapping, targeting, and identification and validation process, establishing an agreed framework for the next phase of implementation.
The validation brings Uasin Gishu closer to a focused rollout of InReMP interventions designed to strengthen natural-resource management, agricultural productivity, community livelihoods, and environmental resilience across the county.
Key government officials present included County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, CECM; Lucy Ngendo Njoroge (Education), Loice Murey (Public Service Management) and Dr. Philip Chebunet (Trade).
InReMP is an eight-year, Sh34.1 billion initiative in Kenya funded by the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to boost food security, restore ecosystems, and strengthen climate resilience.
By Maurice Aluda
