The Garagoli Water Resource Users Association (GAWRUA), based in Vihiga, is actively seeking a partnership with Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) to enhance environmental conservation efforts within the Kaimosi complex sub-catchment.
GAWRUA, a 150-member association registered with the Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA), on Friday, April 26, 2024, met with the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita, and the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Student Affairs, Prof. Julius Kipkemboi. During this meeting, GAWRUA expressed their desire to collaborate with the university.
GAWRUA’s primary objective is to maintain the ecological health of the 30-kilometer-long Garagoli River. Their multifaceted efforts include pollution prevention, safeguarding the catchment area and wetlands, forest conservation, riparian land management, community sensitization, tree planting, and engagement in commercial activities such as apiculture, dairy feed production, and landscaping.
Kaimosi Friends University is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. As part of the government’s landscape restoration initiative, KAFU aims to plant at least 130,000 trees this year alone. The broader goal is to contribute to the planting of 15 billion trees by 2023, with the aim of reducing greenhouse emissions, combating deforestation, and restoring 5.1 million hectares of degraded landscapes.
Prof. Mwita, the Acting Vice Chancellor, lauded GAWRUA’s call for collaboration, emphasizing that the university is dedicated to ensuring the successful growth of all planted trees. He expressed eagerness to tap into Garrua’s expertise.
Prof. Kipkemboi highlighted the long-term benefits of tree planting, including carbon credits for future generations. He underscored that environmental degradation and climate change are evident in the increased runoff within the catchment region.
The meeting concluded with the decision that GAWRUA will initiate a formal agreement outlining the partnership’s objectives.
In alignment with its commitment to environmental stewardship, KAFU is advancing plans to establish the Center of Excellence in Climate Change Action. This initiative, in partnership with the University Fund and the County Government of Vihiga, will culminate in a three-day conference featuring various speakers. The conference will focus on reforestation efforts in the Maragoli Hills.
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor encouraged community participation in government procurement processes, emphasizing the importance of attending the scheduled training session on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.