Mau complex gets Sh219m

The government has launched a new initiative to conserve the Mau forest complex in a bid to stop further destruction.

The South West Mau initiative is funded by Initiative for Sustainable landscapes (ISLA) from the Dutch government and will see Kenya benefit from a Sh219.4 million as seed money.

Speaking during the launch of ISLA in Kericho town, the convener Kipkirui Lang'at pointed out that over the last one decade, an estimated 25 per cent of the Mau forest has been lost due to human encroachment and excisions.

"We plan to dialogue with all the stakeholders because we realise this region supports the production of key agricultural commodities such as Kenya's world famous tea, subsistence crops such as maize and beans and livestock," Dr Langat said.