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By Rodgers Omondi
Busia, Kenya: As part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate recurrent flooding and lessen human-wildlife conflict, the Kenyan government has intensified its efforts to restore riparian areas along River Nzoia in Bunyala Sub-county, Busia County.
During the launch of a bamboo planting campaign in Budalang’i, Wildlife Conservation Secretary John Chumo explained the initiative’s goal is to rehabilitate the degraded riverbanks and provide protection to communities residing in flood-vulnerable regions.
Chumo highlighted that ongoing human encroachment on riparian and wetland areas has upset natural ecosystems. This disruption, he noted, has pushed wildlife like crocodiles, hippos, and snakes into populated human settlements.
“Encroachment of riparian land has led to destruction of wildlife habitats, increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict. These animals are now a threat to residents and their livelihoods,” he said.
He revealed that the government has spent approximately KSh 1 billion yearly over the past three years to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict, with Busia County receiving about KSh 15 million. He, however, emphasized the need to focus on preventive measures.
“In cases of loss of life, compensation cannot replace what has been lost. That is why we must invest in long-term solutions such as restoration of ecosystems,” he added.
Chumo further urged residents to embrace bamboo farming, noting that the crop has both environmental and economic benefits.
“Bamboo not only helps in controlling floods and soil erosion but also provides income through its value chain. We want communities to benefit economically as they conserve the environment,” he said.
Wildlife Research and Training Institute Director Dr. Patrick Omondi said a total of 10,000 bamboo seedlings has been planted in partnership with local communities and community-based organizations.
“Scaling bamboo restoration in flood prone areas like Budalang’i is not optional, it is essential. Bamboo has a unique capacity to address multiple challenges at once. Its strong and extensive root system helps to firmly hold soil along riverbanks, significantly reducing erosion and preventing the collapse of river edges during heavy rains,” he said.
Omondi added that bamboo grows rapidly, making it one of the most effective plants for quick restoration of degraded land.
“Within a short period, bamboo can regenerate and create a protective buffer along riparian zones. This not only reduces the speed and impact of floodwaters but also helps in restoring the natural ecosystem that supports both wildlife and human livelihoods,” he explained.
He further highlighted bamboo’s role in climate change mitigation.
“Bamboo has a high carbon sequestration potential, meaning it absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This makes it an important tool in addressing climate change while at the same time improving environmental resilience in vulnerable areas,” he said.
Omondi also noted that beyond environmental benefits, bamboo presents economic opportunities for local communities.
“There is a growing market for bamboo products, including construction materials, furniture, and handicrafts. By integrating bamboo into agroforestry systems, communities can diversify their income sources while conserving the environment,” he added.
He revealed that the institute will conduct an assessment on human-wildlife coexistence in the area to guide future interventions.
“We will be deploying a team to assess the extent of human-wildlife conflict, document incidents, and engage the community. The findings will help us design targeted mitigation measures that promote coexistence and reduce risks,” he said.
Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinde said the initiative aligns with the government’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
“The county has a target of 7.5 million trees, and we have so far achieved 8.3 percent. Local administrators are working closely with communities to scale up tree planting efforts,” he said.
He noted that bamboo planting complements other government interventions, including the construction of dykes, which have helped reduce flooding in Budalang’i.
Orinde urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season and to move from high-risk areas early to avoid disasters.
“It is always better to prevent disasters than to respond to them. Communities must take early precautions and work closely with local authorities,” he said.
Auma Makhulo from the Bunyala Catchment Area Water Resources Users Association welcomed the project, saying it will enhance community safety while also providing economic opportunities.
“This initiative will protect our people from floods and also provide income through the sale of seedlings. We encourage expansion of the program so that more people can benefit,” she said.
