Norway to help Kajiado in charcoal management

County Executive Ali Letura (left) exchanges documents with the representative from the Norwegian Church Aid Kirsten Engebak, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on charcoal management. [PHOTO: PETERSON GIITHAIGA/STANDARD]

KAJIADO: The county government, through the lands docket, has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding on sustainable charcoal management with Norwegian Church Aid.

Speaking during the signing of the MOU, County Executive member in charge of Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Ali Letura said the agreement is about how the two partners shall work together on preparation of a policy controlling charcoal production.

"Charcoal burning is a big issue in this county and has caused a lot of environmental problems over the years. It is time we stopped it," said Letura.

He said the policy, once implemented, will help save trees and sustain the environment in the county while improving the living standards of residents.

On her part, the Kenya and Somalia representative from the Norwegian Church Aid  Kirsten Engebak said charcoal burning is a major problem as far as environment is concerned.

"We need to engage in tree planting and environmental stock taking in order to sensitise people to shun the use of charcoal, otherwise it will be disastrous if there is no control. That's why we are signing this document today on sustainable charcoal management with county leaders," said Engebak.

Recently, the Kajiado County Government stopped the burning and ferrying of charcoal. Governor David Nkedianye has been insisting that the ban is still on, and anybody caught shall face the law.

"We will not sit and watch as a few selfish people continue to destroy trees and turn this county into a desert. The law must take its course. Once you are arrested while burning or transporting charcoal, you will be charged," said Nkedianye.