Danish Embassy gives Kenya Sh140 million for environment

Kenya: The Royal Danish Embassy has donated Sh140 million to 10 environmental projects in the country, aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

The money is being channeled through the Danish development Agency (Danida) and implemented by the Community Development Trust Fund, an arm of the European Union and the Kenyan Government.

EU has been for years has been funding environmental and social projects in Kenya. The Danish Ambassador to Kenya Geert Aagaard Andersen announced the funding while launching a Sh20 million Matungu Environmental Management Project in Mumias, Kakamega County. Anderson said Denmark remains keen to fund environmental projects in the country.

Livelihoods

The projects aim at reducing poverty through improved livelihoods and sanitation, conserve community natural resources and build capacity among the locals for enhanced environmental management and governance.

The envoy said Denmark was ready to work with Kenyan Government in developing effective local systems that mitigate against climate change effects like drought, flooding and low agricultural production.

Among the projects that have received the Danida funding include the Elementaita Community Corporation Project in Nakuru (Sh17 million), as well as Tinga and Nyandianga in Siaya County, which have received Sh20 million each among others.

The Community Environment Facility Manager Joseph Ruhiu who accompanied the envoy said the funds targeted vulnerable communities adversely hit by poor weather patterns.  He called on the implementing organisations to utilise the funds effectively to benefit targeted members.