Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change
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The department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources is mandated with the management of water resources; provision of water services; reclamation of degraded land and ASALs into vibrant economic development areas; protection and exploitation of natural resources; conservation practices, protection and management of county forests and game reserves; promotion of farm and dry land forestry development; promotion of clean and secure environment by controlling air pollution, outdoor advertisement and other public nuisance. The departments consist of two main departments; department of Water and department of Environment and Natural Resources. The department of Environment and Natural is further divided into department of Environment, land reclamation, forestry, Natural Resource, Mines and Geology and Wildlife.



‌HON. WILLIAM LOPEWOT PETOT

‌CECM WATER, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE



LEONARD KAMSAIT

CO WATER, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES 

A clean, healthy, safe and sustainably managed water, environment and natural resources.

To promote good governance in the protection, conservation and development of environment, water and natural resources for equitable and sustainable development in West Pokot County.

Teamwork and focus on results, sustainability, honesty and integrity, equity and innovation.


Department's Key Units


PROGRAMME

OBJECTIVE
 Water services  To increase access and availability of adequate water resources 

Forestry

To improve forests extension services, increase tree cover, protect, conserve, and sustainably manage county forests for livelihood improvement

Land reclamation

To reclaim degraded lands and ASALs into vibrant economic development areas

Environment

To sustainably manage and conserve forests and wildlife resources.

Natural Resources Management

To educate community to sustainably use natural resources

Mines and Geology

To enlighten the community on mining laws map county mineral potential and sustainably use them.
 County Climate Change  

Department Key Achievements

Water Supply Infrastructure Development

With water being a scarce resource in most parts of the county, the department has strived to ensure that as many residents as possible get access to clean water. Over the period of four years, the department has been able to-:

  • I.    Drill 79 boreholes across the county, especially in North Pokot.
  • II.   Upgrade 30 boreholes to solar powered ones. 
  • III.  Rehabilitated 180 boreholes. 
  • IV.  Constructed five water pans. 
  • V.   Constructed 34 sand/ sub-surface dams.
  • VI.  Rehabilitated 9 water supply systems.
  • VII. Protected 15 water springs.


Forestry Development
  • I.   1,603,000 seedlings plated in Kamatira Forest, Kapkoris hills and various schools across to county to achieve 10% tree cover.
  • II.   41 hectares of school land planted. 
  • III.  More than 25 women, youth, green schools’ groups established.
  • IV.  Three laws and policies developed on forest conservation.
  • V.  3,000 hectares of water catchments, riverbanks, swamps, and fragile lands protected.


Climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • I.   More than 10 acres of dryland forest farms established.
  • II.   50,000 energy saving jikos donated to households. 
  • III.  20 community trainings conducted on climate change. 
  • IV.   Two climate change mitigation policies established, such as Climate Change Act. 

Department’s Flagship Projects

    1. 1. Kapenguria Sewerage system- The project is to be located in Kapenguria and its environs with the aim of ensuring proper liquid waste management. Currently underway, the project is expected to benefit 10,000 households.
    1. 6. Conservation and Management of Cherangany Hills Water Tower- To protect this water source, more than 10,000 hectares of land has been reforested.

Water
Environment and natural resources
Climate change





Climate change adaptation/ Action.

Climate change is a global issue affecting many countries across the globe. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, and weather events are becoming more extreme.

In 2019, the effects of climate change were on a record high, recording the second warmest year on record and the end of the warmest decade (2010- 2019) ever recorded. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rose to new records in 2019. People are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change, which include changing weather patterns, rising sea level, and more extreme weather events.

In 2019, West Pokot County bore the brunt of climate change, resulting in loss of life and property in areas like Tamkal, Nyarkulian and Tapach.

West Pokot County Action

Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable countries to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies. The pace of change is quickening as more people are turning to renewable energy and a range of other measures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation efforts.

The Department of Water and Natural resources has spearheaded efforts geared towards tackling the adverse effects of climate change.

Forestry - increase tree cover from 3.9% 10% by 2022. This has been and continues to be achieved through various initiatives by the department and partners.


Water- to cushion the residents against adverse weather changes such as drought, various programs are in place to ensure drought-resilience and support livelihoods.

Agriculture- Supported farmers through farm input incentives aimed at cushioning farmers through drought season.

Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development- improved infrastructure to protect environment from waste and destruction.
    Rehabilitation Kapenguria dumpsite with 0.3 Kilometers of the Dumpsite fenced with a permanent perimeter wall

    Establishment of Green parks

    Health and sanitation 

    • Use of incinerator for waste management in high volume health facilities
    • Adoption of solar powered vaccine fridges for use in rural and hard to reach health facilities
    • Certifying villages as Open Defecation Free with Tapach and Siyoi wards celebrated as Open Defecation Free ward


    3. Promoting Clean Energy 

    Minerals

    • a. Gold 

    Gold is found along most rivers that flow towards the north in the county. These are Muruny, Iyon and Turkwell. It is generally panned by the locals, who market it through their local cooperative societies, with some selling to businessmen/women. Although much exploration has been done, its source is yet to be discovered. 

    b.Iron Ore 
    Iron ore is found in Konyao and Lelan areas of the county. Three companies have shown interest in exploring for iron in the county. 

    Copper traces have been found around Turkwell. Seven applications have an interest for copper with two of them having been granted as Special Prospecting Licenses (SPL). 

     d. Chromite

    Chromite is found in Telot area in Sekeer. The deposit is a mineralized plug within Telot hill. The mineral has been removed from the surface and further exploration may be required to determine if there is more chromite deeper in the hill. 

    e. Limestone 

      Limestone is the most abundant mineral in the county. It extends from Sebit area in the south east to Alale to the north west. Limestone was previously licensed by Local governments/ County Government prior the onset of the Mining Act 2016. The limestone in the County was exclusively licensed to Cemtec by the County Council of West Pokot for a lease period of 99years. Some of it had been mined and used at Tororo Cement in Uganda. 

      f. Other Minerals 
      Other minerals found in the county are: Talc, Nickel, Kyanite, Asbestos, Garnet, Molybdenum, Chromite, Graphite, Mica, Gemstones and Non-Precious minerals,. More minerals are also yet to be discovered.

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