Kenyans from pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya will benefit from Ksh25 million donated by Sweden to Imara Program.
The money is expected to help the community, which is battling the worst drought in four decades, in dealing with effects of the crisis affecting food supply and water access.
The agreement was signed by the Swedish Ambassador Caroline Vicini in the company of Swedish Crown Princes Victoria Ingrid and the Northern Rangeland Trust.
Vicini noted that from her visits across the region, she interacted with families who confirmed that their lives changed since the first batch was delivered to them.
“I was in Marsabit and Isiolo at people’s homesteads and I have been able to see for myself how the women have been able to cultivate hay so they could have to bring over when the situation for grazing is not good.
“They told me themselves that there lives have become much better and they have also come together. They feel stronger and are able to speak up for themselves which I think is also quite important,” state Vicini.
Tom Lalampaa, the CEO Northern Rangelands Trust, noted that the funds were aimed at boosting the livelihoods of individuals in seven counties.
He explained that the communities would prioritise a huge chunk of the money to water provision through initiatives such as constructing boreholes among others.
“Part of the Ksh25 million will cut across seven counties. You can see that the community has apportioned 24 per cent into water.
“It just tells you that the communities are making water a priority. They have put a lot of money on livelihoods for women and youth,” explained Lalampaa.
Princes Victoria arrived in Kenya on November 21 and has since where she held a number of meetings in Nairobi in line with her efforts to promote sustainability.
She is an advocate for United Nations (UN) Global Goals.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
