EU gives Sh3b for community projects

By James Wanzala

Kenya: The European Union (EU) has donated Sh3 billion for 270 community projects in the country, a senior official of the union has said.

Hjordis Ogendo, the Head of Environment and Social Affairs at the EU said most of the funds will be used in environmental and social projects country wide to uplift the living standards of Kenyans in rural areas.

The counties will be given funds according to the magnitude of the projects and the proposal they make.

She was speaking to the media over the weekend after a one-day tour to Tsunza peninsula in Kwale County, where the union through the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) has given Sh23 million for environmental protection in the area.

Ms Ogendo said the EU has in the past funded the community development trust fund (CDTF) to implement many environmental projects and will continue collaborating with the government in identifying critical environmental areas, which require donor support especially in the counties.

The EU official said CDTF would prioritise projects, which render gender and youth component in environmental and social support.  The Tsunza project implemented by community Touch Kenya Organisation, aims at improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries through crab farming, prawn and fish enterprise, Kaya forest rehabilitation, bee keeping, mangroves improvement and tree seedlings production.