Kefri needs Sh22 billion to eradicate mathenge tree

Mathenge plant at Nalepo village in Marigat, Baringo County. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (Kefri) requires Sh10 billion to implement the national Prosopis Juliflora (Mathenge) Management Plan in eight counties.

Kefri Deputy Director James Ndufa said that the plan which started in 2023 was expected to run for 10 years.

It targets Turkana, Baringo, Marsabit, Isiolo, Tana River, Garissa, Taita Taveta and Kajiado counties.

While reviewing the piloting of Baringo County Prosopis Management Plan at Lake Bogoria, Dr Ndufa said this will help in restoring the vegetation by first growing grass that are beneficial to livestock.

"We are going to introduce aloe vera and mangoes as part of a sustainable plan to improve the nutritional status and income," he said.

Kefri Deputy Director noted that the first phase of the plan was rolled out last year in Koloa, Chemolingot and Kiborgoch Conservancy in Tiaty and Baringo South sub-counties.

Dr Tutilo Mudumba of Land Ecologist Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI), said that the restoration was critical in improving livelihoods through agriculture and knowledge.

"Woody weed project in this approach will not only be dealing with the removal of invasive species but will be looking at entire global problems, such as managing invasive species and restoring land," he said.

Dr Mudumba appealed to the government to take up the management of mathenge in Baringo by providing support for a balanced ecosystem.

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi said that the partnership between the county and national governments has prioritised the elimination of mathenge which has choked the environment.

"Initially the government had good intentions when introducing prosopis to avoid land degradation and ensure that the environment is protected however it has become invasive, subsequently its invasiveness has caused more destruction than benefits," he said.

Cheboi revealed that the plan is to remove the tree from areas such as Lake Bogoria where it has invaded flamingos landing place.

The governor said that the prosopis has covered more than 50,0000 hectares of Baringo which has affected agricultural production.

"We want to reclaim that land so that people can invest in mango, aloe vera plantations and livestock keeping, Lake Bogoria being a tourism area it is paramount we keep the place clear for wildlife pasture," he said.

Mochongoi Ward MCA Kipruto Kimosop called on the national and county governments to intensify efforts to eradicate Prosopis.