April 22, 2010 – US Ambassador expressed full support to the Mau rehabilitation and committed USD7 million
The US Ambassador, H.E. Michael Ranneberger, and the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Raila Odinga went together to the Mau to celebrate Earth Day by planting some 10,000 trees in Songo-Kiboiyet (Eastern Mau).
Introducing the US-funded project, the US Ambassador said to the Prime Minister that “we were not prepared to do it until we see the political will and determination to bring this about and with your leadership, we have seen that. Again I thank you Mister Prime Minister; you can count on our continued support”.
The US-funded project will comprise four main components:
- Improvement of land and resource tenure;
- Contribute toward restoration/protection of critical catchment, forests and biodiversity;
- Contribute toward improvement of livelihoods for catchment residents; and,
- Establish and operation of the
Highlighting the importance of the Mau for the Nile River, the US Ambassador stated “saving the Mau has much significance for the African continent; it is not just for Kenya”.
The Prime Minister thanked the Ambassador. “This is a major announcement that the US is going to contribute USD7 million, some half billion shillings for the rehabilitation of the Mau. This is truly an act of generosity coming from a friend”, he said.
During the event, Mr. Hassan Noor Hassan introduced the seven Ogiek members of the Committee on Ogiek Matters which will work closely with the Government towards establishing an Ogiek register and address the settlement of the Ogiek in the Mau, among others. The Chair of the Ogiek Committee made a short statement.
The event was also marked by the surrendering of four title deeds that were issued for Likia, a settlement scheme created in the 2001 forest excisions. To date, 42 title deeds have been surrendered without compensation by Kenyans who see the need to stop deforestation and to rehabilitate the Mau and who want to be part of the solution.
The address of the Prime Minister concluded the event. “I am proud to be part of the one billion people worldwide who are participating in similar event […] I am particularly happy to be with you because our presence here demonstrates our commitment to the full restoration of the Mau and other water towers. With your support and that of all Kenyans, I am convinced we shall succeed. My firm commitment goes beyond the water towers. It extends to mitigating and adapting to climate change, conserving wildlife and ecosystems and to achieve economic development which is at peace with nature”, he said.
