NAIROBI, June 25 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya has signed an agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at supporting farmers, restoring ecosystems, and improving rural livelihoods.
The Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP), valued at Kshs. 34 billion, will be rolled out over eight years. It is expected to benefit more than two million people across ten counties, particularly in the Cherangany Hills and Mau West regions—key catchment areas vital to the country’s water supply.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr Kipronoh Ronoh, hailed the agreement as a significant step toward building a more food-secure and climate-resilient Kenya.
“This is a historic moment. INReMP is more than a project—it’s a promise to support our farmers, restore our forests, and build a better future for our children,” he said.
The programme will focus on restoring forests, rivers, wetlands, and rangelands through community-led initiatives such as tree planting and agroforestry. It also aims to boost rural incomes by training farmers in climate-smart agriculture, supporting small-scale enterprises, and improving market access.
In addition, INReMP will help strengthen policy and institutional frameworks at both national and county levels to ensure long-term support for sustainable farming and natural resource management.
Dr Ronoh called on all stakeholders—government agencies, development partners, private sector actors, and local communities—to work together to ensure the programme’s success.
“Let this signing not be the end, but the beginning of our shared journey,” he said. “Let us build a Kenya that is food secure, ecologically balanced, and prosperous for all.”
The launch of INReMP offers renewed hope for thousands of rural families facing the twin pressures of poverty and climate change. With strong collaboration, the programme could become a model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship across the region. — NNN-KBC
