In preparation for the upcoming Artisanal C-Sink Study Tour this October, the Circular Bio-Nutrient Economy Network (CBEN) has successfully conducted courtesy visits to the offices of Governor Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu County and Governor Benjamin Cheboi of Baringo County. These visits were aimed at fostering partnerships and securing county support for the study tour, which will focus on small-scale biochar production, carbon removal management, and the latest innovations in biochar technology.
During the visit to Uasin Gishu, Governor Jonathan Bii warmly welcomed the delegation, accompanied by senior county officials including Hon. Edward Sawe, CECM for Agriculture, and Mary Kerich, Chief Officer for Environment and Climate Change. Governor Bii emphasized the significant impact the study tour will have on smallholder farmers in his county, highlighting the role of biochar in improving soil health, increasing agricultural productivity, and addressing waste management challenges.
He directed Hon. Sawe to collaborate closely with CBEN organizers to ensure the seamless execution of the tour, particularly focusing on field visits to local biochar production sites and farms already utilizing biochar in Keses, Eldoret. Governor Bii reaffirmed his commitment to rallying county officers and fully supporting the initiative.
In Baringo County, Governor Benjamin Cheboi expressed keen interest in the tour, particularly in the Marigat session, where participants will engage in hands-on biochar production using the Kon-Tiki method. He acknowledged biochar’s potential to address soil degradation in the semi-arid regions of Baringo and enhance agricultural yields. Governor Cheboi also emphasized the role of PlantVillage’s digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) system, which can be used by county officials to monitor invasive tree species and support sustainable agriculture.
Governor Cheboi directed Risper K. Chepkonga, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, to provide full support to the study tour organizers and ensure effective coordination for the event. He expressed enthusiasm for future partnerships with PlantVillage and other CBEN members.
Both counties have demonstrated proactive leadership in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and their support will be crucial in making the Artisanal C-Sink Study Tour a success. The study tour is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term collaborations, advancing sustainable farming practices across East Africa.
The CBEN team will work closely with both counties to finalize logistics for the tour, and further explore opportunities for collaboration in waste management, digital monitoring technologies, and biochar-based farming solutions.
Reported by: Erick Opiyo Abala
Communications Coordinator – Circular Bio-Nutrient Economy Network
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