13/02/2024
Isiolo County Government Receives Ksh 10M Boost from Northern Rangeland Trust from Carbon Credit Project
In a significant development aimed at fostering partnership for community development, the Isiolo County Government has received a financial boost of Ksh 10 million from the Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) through the Carbon Credit Project. This infusion of funds marks a pivotal moment for the county's development agenda.
The Ksh 10 million contribution, constituting 5% of the Carbon credit funds, represents the County Government Levy (KES) allocated from portions of the carbon credit funds directed to the eight conservancies in Isiolo County. The formal handover of the Ksh 10 million cheque took place at Burat, with Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru receiving it from Dr. Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary at the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education, and Training.
Acknowledging the significance of this financial injection, the County Secretary affirmed that the funding will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Isiolo. Moreover, it will expedite the registration process of essential bills within the Department of Tourism and Wildlife, including the Tourism Bills, Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill, and Isiolo Community Conservancy Bill 2023.
“These legislative efforts are specifically aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of the local population and ensuring the effective utilization of donor-funded resources,” Dade said.
During the ceremony, Mohammed Shibia, the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project Director, provided insights into the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project's operations. “This initiative spans 14 conservancies under NRT's purview, with the organization responsible for overseeing the administration of conservancies, providing requisite support for project implementation, and ensuring compliance for continuous project verification and credit issuance. Notably, each conservancy operates with a Board comprising 12 elected members from community groups, thereby ensuring democratic governance and community representation in project affairs” Shibia clarified.
Five conservancies in Isiolo County, namely Biliqo Bulesa, Leparua, Nakuprat Gotu, Nasuulu, and Oldonyiro, stand to benefit from carbon funds. Each conservancy contributed Ksh 2 million for the Isiolo County Levy, launched for the year 2023.
The previous Levy, launched in 2022, amounted to Ksh 9,172,500. These funds facilitated various projects focusing on water, infrastructure, health, tourism, enterprise development, and educational bursaries.
These funds have facilitated the successful implementation of various projects focusing on water, infrastructure, health, tourism, enterprise development, and educational bursaries.
Mohammed Abdillahi, a beneficiary from Nasuulu Conservancy, expressed gratitude for the bursary support received, which has enabled his children to continue with their education.
Simultaneously, approximately 140 youths from diverse backgrounds within the county received equipment to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, following their graduation from the Ujuzi Manyattani program funded by NRT.
The partnership between the Isiolo County Government and the Northern Rangeland Trust, exemplified by this financial infusion, characterizes a concerted effort towards sustainable development and community upliftment.