Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has officially launched the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP) at the University of Eldoret, Chepkoilel Campus, describing it as a transformative initiative that will strengthen climate resilience, restore degraded ecosystems and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities across Western Kenya.
The eight-year programme, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), will be implemented in ten counties covering the Cherangany Water Tower, Mau West Catchment and Lake Victoria Basin. With an investment of USD 253 million (approximately KSh34 billion), INReMP targets more than 407,000 vulnerable rural households through the greening and commercialization of nature-based value chains, regenerative agriculture and climate-smart solutions that enhance the adaptive and mitigation capacities of farmers and other value chain actors.
Speaking during the launch, Mudavadi said the programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to turning climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
“Implementing this programme demonstrates our determination as a nation to turn these challenges into opportunities for us to proactively restore our environment, improve livelihoods and strengthen household resilience. It will contribute to our socio-economic transformation journey, enabling us to secure a better future for the current and future generations.”
He noted that the programme’s development objective is to enhance integrated natural resources management, increase resilience to climate change and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods, particularly for women, youth and other vulnerable groups. The initiative will focus on restoring degraded landscapes, improving food security and nutrition, strengthening rural enterprises, supporting climate-smart agriculture and building institutional capacity for sustainable natural resource management.
Mudavadi called on county governments, communities and development partners to embrace the programme and ensure its success through strong partnerships and local ownership.
“I urge the leadership and people of the target counties to support INReMP as a vehicle for socioeconomic transformation. Let us use it to restore landscapes, protect water resources, improve farming systems, strengthen rural enterprises, and build hope in our communities.”
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa said the launch of INReMP marks a bold step towards replacing fragmented conservation efforts with a coordinated framework that delivers greater efficiency, stronger collaboration and lasting impact.
“This programme demonstrates that environmental conservation and socio-economic development must go hand in hand. Through INReMP, we are restoring critical ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience and placing communities at the heart of conservation. Together with our partners, we are building a healthier environment, more sustainable livelihoods and a greener future for generations to come.”
On his part, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno said the launch marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey towards environmental sustainability, climate resilience and economic empowerment.
“By bringing together government, communities, the private sector, researchers and development partners, we are creating a model where conservation is not a cost, but a driver of resilient livelihoods, green investment and sustainable economic growth.”
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