TARDA JOINS LUKENYA UNIVERSITY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.

Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority through our Athi Basin Region Office recently joined Lukenya University and other Government Department stakeholders for a community engagement forum focused on  empowering the local Community and Community Based Organizations in the area on matters environmental conservation.

The forum emphasized the vital role ecosystems play in sustaining life on earth, including the ability to regulate the water cycle, prevent soil erosion, enhance air quality, purify the air, combat climate change, protect flood zones and reduce water pollution. It also highlighted the importance of protecting land, encouraging biodiversity and habitat preservation as well as promoting water conservation.

As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, TARDA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on environmental conservation with Lukenya University for the 2024/25 financial year and through this partnership, TARDA has donated 50,000 assorted tree seedlings and participated in the planting of over 500,000 trees, with an impressive 89% survival rate. The actualization of the second phase of this MOU will involve fruit trees production in community tree nurseries, furthering the goal of environmental sustainability and community empowerment. The community engagement Programme culminated in a tree planting initiative along the River Athi Riparian zones.

TARDA is excited to strengthen this collaboration in the upcoming 2025/26 financial year, with a 5-year plan focused on conserving the River Athi Riparian zones. The new phase emphasizes on community and CBO trainings on tree nursery establishment and management, while incorporating sustainable practices and water conservation efforts.