LVEMP II e-Newsletter highlights conservation efforts

MARCH 2016
Issue 1
LVEMP II KENYA e-Newsletter
Hyacinth management intervention 4-5
SLM & Water hyacinth control 6-7
Sewage and Bio toilet project 7-9
Fresh water capture Fisheries Resources 10-11
Reduction of water Hyacinth 12-13
Poverty Eradication 14-16
Bamboo Propagation 17
Wetlands 18-19
Inside this issue:
Working together to conserve Lake Victoria Basin and improve livelihoods.
Senior Director of Administration Ministry of Environment, Natural
Resources and Regional Development Authorities [MEN&RDA] Am-
bassador Julius Kandie [sited third from Left], the National Project Co-
ordinator LVEMP II – Kenya Ms. Francisca Owuor, HSC [sited sec-
ond from left] and the National Project Coordination Team in a group
photo with the County Executive Committee (CEC) members respon-
sible for Environment from the Lake Victoria-riparian Counties after a
meeting in Kisumu to deliberate on the establishment of a water
hyacinth management mechanism for the Lake Victoria-riparian Coun-
ties. [See story on page…4-5]

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MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR
Welcome to LVEMP II’s first issue of the e-newsletter which will provide information on the Project inter-
ventions quarterly. Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project phase Two (LVEMP II - Kenya) is now
over six years since it started in September, 2009 and began its interventions from 2010. This e- newsletter
has been developed to update our online readers on the progress of the project interventions. It will communi-
cate the project performance on various components.
The project falls within Lake Victoria Basin [LVB]. Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater body in the
world. It is a trans-boundary resource shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with Rwanda and Burundi be-
ing part of the upper watershed which drains into the Lake through the Kagera River. The Lake has a catch-
ment area of 194,000 km2
shared by the five countries. It plays a major role in the socio-economic and eco-
logical stability of its basin, which is facing a myriad of environmental challenges.
The objectives of the project are to contribute to (i) collaborative management of trans boundary natural re-
sources of the Lake Victoria Basin [LVB] for the shared benefits of the partner states; and (ii) reduced envi-
ronmental stress in targeted pollution hotspots and selected degraded sub-catchments to improve the liveli-
hoods of communities who depend on the natural resources of the Lake Victoria basin.
Major achievements have been realized in terms of tangible deliverables. These have greatly contributed to
improved livelihoods of the target communities and also helped to address environmental challenges in the
project area. These benefits are expected to create multiplier effects and impacts in the wider Lake Victoria
Basin.
It is worth noting that LVEMP II has been given a two and a half (2.5) year’s extension with additional fi-
nancing part of which will be used to prepare the next phase. Stay tuned.
Francisca Owuor, HSC
National Project Coordinator.
Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project Phase Two,
(LVEMP II – Kenya).
The LVEMP II – Kenya National Project Coordinator Ms. Francisca Owuor,
HSC with the Nation Television press articulating project interventions.

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EDITORIAL
This e- Newsletter is to increase the visibility of LVEMP II – Kenya and to enhance readership and dissemi-
nation of the project’s interventions. This will enable the public be informed of its status and contributions in
conserving the environment and improving the livelihood of the riparian community. LVEMP II is a project
within the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Authorities
[MENR&RDA] being implemented in the Nyando River Basin and Lake Victoria-riparian Counties; and co-
ordinated by Lake Victoria Basin Commission [LVBC].
The project is implemented through the principle of subsidiarity involving the key stakeholders in the envi-
ronment, water, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and livestock sectors. It is believed that the information dis-
seminated in our e-Newsletters will create the desired awareness and publicity hence improving the Project’s
image.
The e- Newsletter is therefore, designed to create awareness among local communities, various stake-
holders and anybody else who will visit our website. It will also be shared by our stakeholders online. The e-
Newsletter will therefore, seek to provide an understanding of the project and challenges including: high
pressure on the Lake, control measures on pollution load into the Lake and other water bodies, Community
Driven Development [CDDs] success stories and alternative livelihood activities among other project inter-
ventions.
In this first issue, areas covered include Bamboos propagation and management, Agriculture, Water Hya-
cinth, efforts in pollution control and environmental conservation, and Community Driven Development
[CDDs] Sub projects beneficiaries’ success stories among others.
Your contributions are highly welcome, as this will help improve this e-Newsletter and Lake Victoria Basin’s
environment at large. Get more from our website: www.lvemp2kenya.org. You can also reach us through our
Email: lvemp2@gmail.com. welcome.
Nicholas Onyango Manyolo
Communication Officer,
Lake Victoria Environment Management Project Phase Two
Agricultural Specialist Eng. Isaac Ngugi articulating his sector activities during
a Media excursion to project sites. Dissemination of project interventions in
various media houses is a continuous project undertaking to ensure enhanced
project image and publicity.

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HYACINTH MANAGEMENT INTERVENTIONS.
Complied by Nicholas O. Manyolo
Communication Officer – LVEMP II – Kenya.
nicholasmanyolo@gmail.com
The Senior Director of Administration Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Devel-
opment Authorities [MEN&RDA] Ambassador Julius Kandie has commended the County Executive
Committee (CEC) Members from the Lake Victoria shores region for the cordial relationship existing
between the Ministry and the Counties in the implementation of conservation activities under LVEMP II
– Kenya adding that, the same collaboration will be upheld in the management of water hyacinth.
He noted that the Governors of Kisumu and Homa Bay have expressed eagerness in embracing water
hyacinth interventions. He however, acknowledged that despite budgetary issues in the management of
the weed, engagement with the Governors of Busia, Migori and Siaya on issues to do with water hyacinth
management was very fruitful. Another engagement in form of workshop to look into finer details of the
management of water hyacinth has been planned. He appreciated that environmental conservation is a
devolved function with the National Government only providing policy direction.
Ambassador Kandie made these remarks during a meeting in Kisumu with the CECs responsible for Envi-
ronment from the Lake-shore Counties and also while meeting the Governors from the Lake shore region
in their respective Counties to deliberate on the establishment of a water hyacinth management mecha-
nism for the Lake-shore Counties. It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources
and Regional Development Authorities [MEN&RDA] is the focal point Ministry for Lake Victoria Envi-
ronmental Management Project Phase Two [LVEMP II – Kenya].
LVEMP II- Kenya has investments in the Lakeshore Counties. The investments include 21 weevil rearing
units, 220 ha of bare hills and river banks re-afforestation, 1230 ha of farm land under sustainable land
management interventions, 172 Community Driven Development (CDD) Sub-Projects, two heavy duty
utility boats for the fisheries sub sector, four open sesse canoes, Kisumu water quality laboratory reha-
bilitated and equipped, seven exhausters bought out of which five distributed to the Lake Shore counties,
twenty 10 thousand liters plastic tanks bought out of which twelve are in the Lake Shore counties and all
fitted with gutters for roof water harvesting, two sewerage treatment facilities rehabilitated in the Lake
Shore Counties [Homa Bay town and Kisumu City]; seventeen bio-toilets built in learning institutions
and a market center out of which ten are in the Lake shore counties; among other investments.
LVEMP II – Kenya National Project Coordinator Madam Francisca Owuor, HSC informed the meeting
that water hyacinth has been a major course of environmental stress in Lake Victoria with major ecologi-
cal and socio-economic negative impacts. She also observed that the weed is spreading upstream of rivers
discharging to Lake Victoria and to other water bodies in the basin.
As a means to address the water hyacinth menace, the NPC said that LVEMP II has embraced the princi-
pal of collaborative management of natural resources.

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The meeting agreed that, it is imperative that the Lakeshore Counties and all other stakeholders need to do
whatever it takes to bring back the ecological and socio-economic integrity of the Lake. The meeting further
agreed that disposal of water hyacinth should be undertaken in the most professional way as per the law of the
land, existing guidelines and World Bank policies. The meeting guided that LVEMP II prepares a document
with projected costs for the two scenarios proposed of disposing of the weed i.e. through natural decomposi-
tion at disposal site and drying then burning.
The meeting was informed that the proposed disposal sites will be subjected to an EIA study and the EIA re-
port will provide insights into best way to dispose the weed with minimum damage to the environment, how
the site will be managed during its active life and how the site will be managed after being decommissioned.
In attendance was Hon. ConsolataYambo, CEC Homa bay (CO CHAIR) County Government of Homa Bay.
Amb. Julius Kandie, Senior Director of Administration (CO CHAIR), MENR&RDA, Hon Benard Yaite,
CEC Busia, County Government of Busia. Hon Dr. Elizabeth Ogaja, CEC Kisumu, County Government of
Kisumu. Hon Elijah Odhiambo, CEC Migori, County Government of Migori. Hon. Arthur Omollo, CEC
Siaya, County Government of Siaya. LVEMP II – Kenya National Project Coordination Team comprising
Madam Francisca Owuor, HSC National Project Coordinator, Richard Munyithyia, Monitoring and Evalua-
tion Officer, Solomon Kihiu, Environment Specialist, and Eng. Isaac Ngugi, Agriculture Specialist.
Above :River Oroba in Kisumu County after rehabilitation with support from LVEMP II –
Kenya.

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A section of the farm where Sustainable Land Management
[SLM] is being practiced with support from LVEMP II – Kenya
in Londiani area
Sustainable Land Management and Water
hyacinth control by LVEMP II - Kenya
By Vincent Ayanga.
Communication Section
cliftonayanga@yahoo.com
Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project
Phase Two [LVEMP II – Kenya] underscores conser-
vation of the environment and livelihoods improve-
ment of the riparian communities. To this end the Pro-
ject’s implementation includes Sustainable Land Man-
agement [SLM] and Water Hyacinth control meas-
ures. Sustainable land management entails the use of
land resources which includes soil, water, plants and
animals for production of goods to meet changing hu-
man needs and at the same time conserving them for
future generations.SLM involves minimizing land
degradation. This involves various stakeholders down
from land users, to policy makers and multilevel stake
holders. LVEMP II- Kenya is in the fore front towards
the realization of these goals of rehabilitating de-
graded areas.
Pollution of all kinds is probably the biggest environ-
mental problems we are facing today, for this reason
Phase Two (LVEMP II - Kenya) has put in place
measures to improve the environment through inter-
ventions that include environmental conservation, res-
toration and protection of water catchment areas, wet-
lands, riverbanks, bare hills and degraded forest areas.
The objective of LVEMP II Kenya with regard to the
Project’s Agriculture section is the improvement of
the collaborative management of the Trans boundary
natural resources of Lake Victoria basin for the shared
benefits of the EAC partners’ states and reduce envi-
ronmental stress in targeted pollution hotspots and se-
lected degraded sub-catchments to improve the liveli-
hoods of communities, who depend on the natural re-
sources of Lake Victoria basin. This can be seen
through the implementation of the Project’s Agricul-
ture sector activities in Component 1: Its purpose is
strengthening the institutional capacity for the man-
agement of shared water and fisheries resources, while
the objective
in relation to the Agriculture section of the Pro-
ject being to develop and implement options for
sustainable land management and water hya-
cinth.
In Component 2: Its purpose is watershed man-
agement with the objective to reduce environ-
mental stresses from the lake basin, through the
implementation of non-point sources pollution,
mitigation and prevention measures through the
Co - Management Initiative (CMI) approach
where a total of 9 sites with a total area of 5420
had watershed management interventions initi-
ated and implemented. This was done by the
Project and Community Driven Development
(CDD) approach where a total of 93 CDD
groups implemented aspects of watershed man-
agement/agriculture.
In the 4th
Quarter, 2014-2015 Financial Year
[FY] there have been achievements made in the
both the water hyacinth and land management.
In the water hyacinth management there has
been reduced water hyacinth infestation levels.
This has been due to activities of the weevils in
the water hyacinth mats.The weevils feed on

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water hyacinth alone and
have multiplied level that
have caused smothering of
the hyacinth and subsequent
sinking. There is also greater
understanding and apprecia-
tion of water hyacinth prob-
lem amongst stakeholders
and when given the opportu-
nity and resources the stake-
holders can play their right
role in the management of
the weed.
In the Land management
there has been a possible
increase in land productivity
although to a very small ex-
tend in farms that have im-
plemented soil and water
conservation interventions in
the CMI or the CDD farms
but over the long term this
outcome will be more appar-
ent. Farming community in
the CMI sites are conversant
with the modern farming
technologies and aware of
where to get technical assis-
tance when they are in need
and also aware of the impor-
tance of record keeping.
LVEMP II – Kenya Sewerage and Bio-Toilet Projects
By Jeffriesse Ochieng
jeyochieng@gmail.com
The Kenyan Government through the Ministry of Environment,
Natural Resources and Regional Development Authorities
[MENR&RDA] in collaboration with the World Bank through Lake
Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP II - Kenya)
has constructed and rehabilitated waste water treatment facilities in
Bomet town in the Rift Valley, Kisumu City and Homa Bay town
along Lake Victoria respectively. The Project has also constructed 17
Bio Toilets. All these are geared towards addressing point sources of
pollution.
An exclusive interview with LVEMP II - Kenya Water Specialist
Mr. Isaiah Mawinda during an inspection tour of Homa Bay waste
water treatment facility confirmed that, with the completion and
functionality of the sewerage plant in Homa bay town, there is a big
commercial boost to the County. The facility is complete and cur-
rently functional.
The Water Specialist expounded the benefits associated with the
waste water treatment facility noting that the previous state of the
facility was very poor and dangerous to the livelihoods of the sur-
rounding residents. He added that, the treatment of sewerage system
was not to the acceptable levels which require its biological oxygen
demand (BOD), suspended solids concentration, pathogens, nutri-
ents, taste and odours to the degree necessary to ensure that it does
not pollute or contaminate any water resource into which it is dis-
charged.
Homabay sewerage facility rehabilitation construction work with funds
from LVEMP II-Kenya

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It’s for this reason that LVEMP II- Kenya decided to prioritize the augmentation and rehabilitation of Homa
Bay Sewerage System. In line with projects objectives:-
 The improvement of the collaborative management of the trans-boundary natural resources of the LVB
among the Partner States; and
 The improvement of environmental management of targeted pollution hotspots and selected degraded sub-
catchments for the benefit of communities who depend on the natural resources of LVB.
PROJECT BENEFITS
LVEMP II - Kenya Water Specialist Mr. Isaiah Mawinda added that, Lake Victoria water quality declined sig-
nificantly since 1970s, mainly due to pollution as a result of rapid population growth and development. The
people of Homa Bay who depend on the lake water for their water supply have greatly benefited since there is
now improved water quality with the project completion. There are also numerous benefits that are associated
with the rehabilitation of this facility. An improved Sewer system will most importantly reduce pollution load
into Lake Victoria. The rehabilitation of Homa Bay Sewerage is therefore, a big boost to the development of
this town. It is also a big achievement in the implementation of LVEMP II – Kenya.
Other beneficiaries include the Homa Bay County, investors and tourism sector among others. This facility
will hence improve tourism in the County, given that it is in close proximity to key attractions like the Lake
Victoria, Ruma National Park, Rusinga and Mfang’ano Islands, The Late Tom Mboya Mausoleum, Simbi
Nyaima and many other tourist attraction sites.
POLLUTION
Pollution is one of the factors that contribute to the infestation of the Lake Victoria with water hyacinth; hence
the efforts of LVEMP II – Kenya in building Bio Toilets, contracting and rehabilitating waste water treatment
facilities in Kisumu City and Homa Bay and Bomet towns is timely and will significantly contribute to im-
proving the Lake’s eco-system. Reduced water pollution will also diminish the associated diseases. Since
these facilities are now completed, it is therefore, expected that the sanitation for these towns will greatly im-
prove. It is therefore, prudent for the respective Water and Sewerage Companies of the beneficiary towns to
ensure that all residential and business premises are connected to the sewer lines to enable the companies raise
revenue to run and maintain the Sewers and also keep the respective towns’ environment clean to attract in-
vestors.
Mr Isaiah Mawinda(water specialist ) explaining to Mr Vincent Onyango(kenya
films)how the Homabay sewage plant works.(Photo by Vincent Ayanga )

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Photo by N. Manyolo
Above, one of the completed Bio Toilet facilities at Kakibei
Mixed Secondary School in Kericho County
.
Above: Homa bay sewerage facility during rehabilitation
Photo by: Nicholas Manyolo
BIO TOILETS
LVEMP II has also steered the construction of
Bio Toilets in learning institutions and along
Lake Victoria Beaches and towns. 17 Bio Toilets
have been constructed and the beneficiaries
trained on the safe and sustainable use of the fa-
cilities.
Part of the Homa bay sewerage facility after rehabilitation.
Photo by: Nicholas Manyolo
Left:Homabay sewerage facility under construction and Right:Homabay sewerage facility in a fully operational state

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Kenya is endowed with a variety of fresh-
water fisheries resources. These include
major lakes like Victoria, Naivasha, Tur-
kana, Baringo; smaller ones like Jipe,
Challa, Kanyaboli; dams e.g. the Tana
River dams and a variety of both cold and
warm water rivers across the country.
Lake Victoria
This is the largest lake in Africa and sec-
ond in the world. It is shared between
Tanzania (49%), Uganda (45%) and
Kenya (6%). It has an area of 69,490 sq
km with a length of 410 km and 250 km
occupying a shallow depression of 75 m
deep on the Equatorial Plateau between
two arms of the Great Rift Valley. It has
an irregular shoreline of 3440km with
several small/large islands (Kenya Island
alone: - Kiwa, Remba, Takawiri,
Migingo, Ringiti, Rusinga, Ngothe,
Mfangano, Oyamo, Mageta Islands etc).
Lake Victoria’s contribution to total na-
tional annual fish production is enormous
(over 76.4% in 2015) even in the face of
rapidly declining fish stocks in the lake.
Capture fisheries of Lake Victoria are a
source of livelihood to many people em-
ployed directly as boat owners, fishermen
(over 40,078), fish traders, fish proces-
sors, etc and indirectly as fishing gear
manufacturers, boat builders, and ice pro-
ducers among others. Lake Victoria is a
multi-species fishery with hundreds of
known species, but only Rastrienobola
argentea (Omena), Lates niloticus (Nile
perch), and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile
tilapia) are of economic significance
which contributed 93.7% of total catches
from the lake.
Kenya side of Lake Victoria which is only 6% could be losing over
or approximately Kshs. 6 to 10billion worth of fish for exports to
illegal fishers (rampant illegal poaching of juvenile ‘undersize’ fish
resources within our waters) due to inability to police (monitor and
patrol) nautical miles of Kenya’s exclusive economic area in the
Lake Victoria Kenya waters, inadequate modern infrastructure
(landing sites) and amongst others annually.
The other challenges facing the lake include proliferation of the wa-
ter hyacinth and dense population in the basin. Also poor handling
of fish and its products, lack of maritime safety measures (rescue
equipment) and inadequate protection of fish breeding areas among
others. The lack of adequate equipment maintenance/servicing, man-
power and operation cost (adequate funding) to monitor high rising
illegal activities/fishers has hampered efforts to establish how much
juvenile (undersize) fish and indigenous Fish species illegal fishers
catch while inside the Country’s exclusive Lake zone.With the help
of Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP II) –
through Fisheries Sub-Component headed by Fisheries Specialist
managed to assist the sector/BMUs by funding improvement and
construction some of the modern (infrastructures - Bandas) landing
sites, fish landing Jetties, Patrol Vessels/Canoes at the Beaches
within the Lake riparian Counties i.e Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Homa-
Bay and Migori Counties.
FRESH WATER CAPTURE FISHERIES RESOURCES
By:-
Esaya P.O. Wariero
Senior Electro-Mechanical Inspector (Building & Mechanical Services)
State Department of Fisheries
warieroesaya@yahoo.co.uk
Heavy utility boats. LVEMP II – Kenya investments in
the Lake-riparian Counties for monitoring, control and
surveillance, rescue and research.

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Patrol Boat (Canoes and 40HP engine) (Photo/
Wariero EO)
Out of the above the Project managed to pro-
cure Water Hyacinth harvester Machine
(Equipment) from Italy waiting to dock at the
Port of Mombasa, be received and to be used
for removal of the problematic plants in the
Lake Victoria. Also assisted in funding of
Frame Surveys, Fish Catch Assessment Sur-
veys and Hydro-Acoustic Surveys
Below are some of the LVEMP II imple-
mented Projects amongst others
BMU Modern Toilets at Nyandiwa Beach in
Homa-Bay County (Photo/Wariero EO)
PROJECT LOCATION
LVEMP II is implemented in the selected
River catchments within the Lake Victoria
Basin.In Kenya,the project is being implement
in the Nyando River Basin which covers an
area of 3550Km2
and transverses Keri-
cho,Nandi and Kisumu counties under APL
I.The project is also implemented along the
shores of Lake Victoria stretching from Samia
Sub-county in Busia County to Nyatike in Mi-
gori County.In addition ,the project is support-
ing rehabilitation of waste water treatment
plant in Homabay town,expansion of the exist-
ing facility in Kisumu city and construction of
a new sewer in Bomet town.Bio-toilets are also
to be provided in nine counties-
Siaya,Homabay,Kisii,Nandi,Kericho,Kisumu
,Bomet,Migori and Busia.
Above:Patrol boat(photo by Mr Nicholas Manyolo
Above:Community member admires one of the patrol
boat(photo by Mr.Nicholas Manyolo)

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Reduction of water hyacinth ( eichhornia crassipes) in Lake Victoria
By Robert Ouma
rotieno58@gmail.com
Water hyacinth has its background in south America. This weed has a seed viability of up to 10 to 15 years. It
also reproduces vegetatively hence hard to control since from the smallest particles it can still sprout. From
its native home in Singapore it is used as pig feed. The dispersal of water hyacinth was through human activi-
ties whereby visit to its source made the natives carry them as souvenirs and beautification of ponds.
has the ability to survive extremes of nutrient supply, Ph level, water toxity and variant temperatures Water
hyacinth has proven difficult and impossible to destroy hence the only option remaining is controlling its mul-
tiplication. This control is possible through mechanical, biological and manual means, options which are be-
ing applied by LVEMP II – Kenya. Lake Victoria is disturbed by the presence of this ‘pregnant tuber’ that
floats on the water surface and covers an area of 500 hectare. Its presence in the lake creates unhealthy com-
petition for oxygen and when it dies it generates foul smell and also causes a film on water surface that fur-
thers oxygen deficit in water. Aquatic life are deprived of sunlight hence inactivity of aquatic plants and ani-
mals.
Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project Phase Two in all the respective partner states [Kenya,
Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi] are putting concerted efforts to manage the weed in their respective
water bodies. They are putting in place mechanisms of controlling this noxious weed and through introduc-
tion of weevils which are reared at the Beach Management Units [BMUs]. The Weevils are released to the
Lake at appropriate time. These weevils feed on water hyacinth alone hence no threat to other vegetation
around the water bodies where they are released; and so far this has a commendable outcome towards eradica-
tion of the weed. Through the rehabilitation of existing sewerage plants and construction of new ones,
LVEMP II - Kenya has helped cut down the discharge of sewerage and sludge into the lake. The sewerage
and sludge are nutrient to water hyacinth and makes the weed multiply very fast and therefore, the reduction
in the nutrient means their growth is suppressed to some level.
Working together to conserve Lake Victoria Basin and improve Livelihoods.
Picture showing water hyacinth mother
plant.
Physical removal of water hyacinth in lake victoria.

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In line with the management of the water hyacinth, LVEMP II - Kenya has activities underway that would see the
region equipped with state of the art machines that would help harvest the weed. The Project is also implement-
ing activities geared towards environmental conservation that would address problems of siltation through Rivers
into the Lake, City run-offs, Municipal and Industrial effluent discharges, afforestations, River Banks and Bare
Hills restorations, good Animal husbandry, Co – Management Initiatives [CMIs] and Sustainable Land Manage-
ment [SLMs] practices among other measures the Project is undertaking with the communities in its catchment.
All these efforts will go a long way in managing Water Hyacinth. However, it must be noted that the management
of Water Hyacinth is a concerted effort that cannot be left to the Project alone, a concerted effort from all stake-
holders is required, hence the LVEMP II – Kenya motto “Working together to Conserve Lake Victoria Basin and Im-
prove Livelihoods”
A section of Lake Victoria when it is affected by water hyacinth.
Samuel Otieno Akelo KALRO Officer from Kibos station showing Weevils rearing techniques. LVEMP II – Kenya is
collaborating with KALRO Kibos station in water hyacinth management through Weevils rearing, handling and re-
leasing on water hyacinth in Lake Victoria and in any other water body in the basin infested by Hyacinth.

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Chuodho Women Group the Ambassadors of Poverty Eradication in Migori County
By Robert Ouma and Vincent Ayanga
rotieno58@gmail.com / Vincentayanga23@gmail.com
Chuodho women group is a force to reckon with in Karungu Division of Nyatike sub - County, Mi-
gori County. The group has a total of 22 members, out of which 3 are male. The group that has a
historical beginning as a wish today is full of blessings as it is the pride of Karaungu community
that hosts it. The group has won standing ovation due to its outstanding performance in livelihood
improvement initiatives.
In their endeavors, the group came to know about LVEMP II – Kenya during the Project’s sensitiza-
tion period in public barazas, the various government structures on the ground [i.e. respective gov-
ernment officers] and through the Media. This group is one of the many Community Driven Devel-
opment [CDDs] Sub Projects undertaken by the Project. CDDs are programmes that afford commu-
nity groups authority and control over development decisions and resources, including finances. The
CDD aims at enhancing the capacities of communities to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate sub
-projects investments in the community targeted localities.
The CDD approach adopted by the Project has many benefits that accrue to the communities, such
as accelerated implementation of activities, enhanced opportunities of acquiring investments on live-
lihood improvement and other public services, provision of relevant and suitable projects in the
community, improved ownership of projects, increased accountability in the management of pro-
jects in the community, and enhanced opportunities for community capacity building in manage-
ment of resources.
In total, LVEMP II – Kenya has 225 CDDs under implementation and showing successes. The CDD
-type sub-projects comprise the natural resources conservation and livelihood improvement catego-
ries. The natural resources conservation component aims at increasing adoption of sustainable land
management (SLM) practices and increasing land productivity by participating communities. The
activities under this category include: conservation of soil and water, improvement of the ability of
land to hold water, rainfall harvesting and recharging and growing greenery-trees and crops. Spe-
cific activities include afforestation, establishment of woodlot, construction of pans and dams, con-
trol of water hyacinth, soil and gully erosion control.
Livelihood improvement activities aim at reducing harvesting pressure the fisheries on and wetland
resources, intensifying natural resources use to increase adoption of sustainable land management
and encouraging community participation and involvement in watershed management. Specific ac-
tivities to include bee keeping, fish farming, dairy goat husbandry, zero grazing practices of live-
stock and poultry keeping, among others.
The project’s monitoring and evaluation ensures that activities are undertaken as planned and requi-
site guidance is provided. It is a requirement that the Project only deals with registered groups. In
this regard Chuodho Women Group wrote a proposal to LVEMP11Kenya and qualified and hence
got funds to build two modern toilets in Sori Beach, construct a borehole and pipe water to two wa-

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Above Left: Dr. John Okeyo, The group’s Coordinator receiving eggs for incubation
and Right: the Group’s chicken in rearing unit.
The group was funded to a tune of Ksh. 4463500 with its members contributing Ksh 1234900. The
group has a dedicated taskforce; and has embarked into a journey that would change their community if
they adhere to their work plan and ambition. As we talk today, the group has immensely contributed into
additional modern toilets and running water in Karungu. Such developments are key to a healthy living
and a growing economy. With modern Toilet facilities and Water, cases of water borne related diseases
have drastically reduced. Owing to the fact that Sori is a beach in Lake Victoria, there was rampant
breakout of contagious diseases that would leave the community weak to fend for themselves. Hygiene
near such massive water body that majority depend on for water is very essential to reduce incidences of
water borne diseases.
The group has worked hard to improve its poultry stalk of 600 birds to 2500 birds consisting of Rainbow
roasters, and broilers. This improved performance is attributed to closely working with the relevant offi-
cers on the ground that were very willing to assist when called upon. The officers made regular check-
ups and gave guidance on how to improve stock. Today Chuodho Women Group not only keeps
chicken but also ornamental birds like guinea fowls and quills.
On average the group collects 150 eggs daily which they duly incubate to their procured incubator after a
week’s collection. They sell a day old and month old chicks which fetch kshs. 100 and ksh 200 respec-
tively. From their stock, 350 broilers are sold every 6 weeks. The proceeds got from this business is
saved and a certain percentage given to members for economic empowerment. Members receive loans
from the group during times of crisis and this has helped improve their livelihood and loyalty to the
group.
The group also vends water at relatively cheap prices Kshs. 5 per 20 liters Jerican. This has considerably
saved the community from previous tussles when they were forced to travel long distance in search of

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16
Community member beneficiary fetch-
ing water from the water kiosk.
Chuodho women group modern toilet
Following the group’s successful implementation of their poultry programme, the group has high ambitions to im-
prove the livelihood of their community. Chuodho Women Group therefore, plans to scale up multi-purpose poultry
farming. This being one of their successful businesses that group was funded two years ago by LVEMP II - Kenya.
The group’s Coordinator Dr. John Okeyo states that, “We believe that scaling up multi-purpose poultry farming will
commercialize community’s cultural value for small scale farming. The group has 2 years experience in poultry farm-
ing as a business, having more than two thousand (2000) birds. The group will organize the community into village
organizations (VOs) and unions.
Each village organization will be composed of about 30 members divided into six pressure groups of five members.
These village organizations will form multi-purpose poultry production and chain marketing divided into six enter-
prises. The project will create at least 100 poultry enterprises and contribute to empowering women by improving
their livelihoods. On average, participation in poultry business project will raise household income by 31%.The
household average income will be about Ksh. 15000/- per month. Credit access of farm inputs will act as incentives
for membership, considering that majority of targeted vulnerable group cannot afford inputs".
Talking to Chuodho women group and some community members of Nyatike Sub County, they appreciate the finan-
cial support adding that LVEMP II – Kenya funding has led to a socio-economic uplift and development in their com-
munity. For Chuodho Women Group now the sky is the limit as they look forward to transform the lives of their com-
munity and upgrade the Poultry stock in the community and if possible in the entire Nyatike Sub County.
On the left:
Signboard
showing dis-
closure of
project on the
Right: Eggs
harsvested by
the group.

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17
LVEMP II - KENYA TRAINS COMMUNITIES ON BAMBOO PROPAGATION, MANAGEMENT
AND UTILIZATION
By Ms. Beatrice Mbula
mbulabeatrice@yahoo.co.uk
Bamboo is perennial woody grass having a variety of 1250 species .They grow rapidly to form an even bio- mass. It is an eco-
logical plant that helps reclaim vast tracts of degraded lands, to check erosion and to conserve soil. Its fast growth and handful of
uses makes it stand out towards noble course of environmental conservation.
LVEMPII supports the propagation and establishment of bamboo in the Lake Victoria Basin towards its twin objectives of envi-
ronmental conservation and livelihoods improvement in the Lake Victoria Basin. The project has embarked on this through sensi-
tization and training of the CDD groups that are undertaking forestry sub-projects and supporting communities to plant bamboo
on degraded riverbanks for rehabilitation. One hundred and eighty eight (188) members from 94 groups and twenty four mem-
bers from four wetlands riparian communities were trained on Bamboo propagation, Management and Utilization. The training
was conducted by experts drawn from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute of Kakamega, Maseno, Londiani and Nairobi.
This training saw the groups equipped with skills on the raising of bamboo seedlings all the way towards its end use. Bamboo has
multiple uses that range from Medicinal, Food, ornamental, Construction works, Decorations and Artistic work, Basketry and
shade. After thorough training, the Participants prepare and present a post training action plan. Follow ups reveal that most of
the participants have started their Bamboo nurseries and are doing well.
(Above)Participants arrive at KEFRI Maseno for a practical
session
Bamboo can be propagated from bamboo culms or
cuttings as seen in the pictures
(Above)Some of the uses of bamboo include basketry, furniture production, bamboo shoots for food and construction.

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18
A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. They are in the form of
swamps, marshes, Bogs and other similar areas. LVEMP II KENYA has made tremendous steps into the pro-
tection of these areas due to their cleansing of water entering Lake Victoria.
Wetlands or marshlands are symbolic to the kidney in the human body due to its cleansing benefits to the eco-
system. Mother Nature offered us with this gift in order to control floods by trapping flood waters due to its
spongy nature. Wetlands also keep river levels normal, filter and purify surface water making it safer for hu-
man consumption and other aquatic survival.
Fish food in vegetative form is released into the rivers hence increase in aquatic life; encroachment due to hu-
man activity in these wetlands have occasioned diminishing in sizes of majority of the Wetlands. This has re-
sulted into the world being vulnerable to floods and other natural disasters. The Wetlands have the ability to
counter balance human effect on rivers by rejuvenating them and the surrounding ecosystems. This is done by
its own natural mechanisms that recycle nutrients and converts chemicals into usable forms.
Wetlands offer a variety of rare animals, birds, reptiles; fish and plants species hence need to be guarded with
utmost care. Wetlands holds run off soil and acts as buffer zones between land and water ways where plants
firmly hold hence are a water brake that slow erosion towards the lakes and rivers and maintains the shoreline
stability.
They are carbon sinks and reduce levels of phosphorous and nitrates which are main ingredients in fertilizers
and water pollution. When phosphorous and nitrates find their way into the water bodies they aid into further
multiplication of algae which deprives fish and other aquatic life of fresh air circulation.
LVEMP II Kenya under its component three: Watershed Management has budgetary allocations to ensure that
wetlands are sustainably utilized. The component emphasizes on national resources conservation and liveli-
hoods improvement and community capacity building and participation. In this respect, the Project has under-
taken and produced Wetlands management plans that are to guide Wetland resources utilization without com-
promise on their environmental status.
The plans have
been undertaken for
the four wetlands
under the project
catchment for a
start. These include
Kibirong and
King’wal in Nandi
County, Ombeyi in
Kisumu County
and Tienosoyiet in
Kericho County
Kingwal wetland in Nandi(Photo: by N.Manyolo)
WETLANDS
By: Robert Otieno
rotieno58@gmail.com

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19
There are plans for undertaking management plans for other remaining Wetlands. This has been necessitated by the en-
croachment into Wetlands due to the growing population. Many Wetlands have been turned into farmlands and grazing
areas without any proper plans and this has led to their extinction. Wetlands play a major role in cleansing water and
therefore, unplanned encroachment leading to their extinct is a disaster in waiting as it exposes both flora and fauna to
great environmental catastrophe. It is therefore, vital that all join hands to sustainably utilize such resources and consider
available plans while effecting any development undertaking in Wetlands.
[Tienosioyet Wetland in Kericho County home to Crown Bird and other species.Photo: (By Nicholas Manyolo]
(Photos: By Nicholas Manyolo)
Wetland Products: Protect
our Wetlands and use
them sustainably. Our
wetlands are home to rare
Statungas and other spe-
cies.

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20
Phase Two( LVEMP II KENYA)
2nd Floor Reinsurance Plaza.
P.O.BOX 9220-40100 KISUMU,KENYA
TEL:+254572020563. FAX.+254572020284
Above:Ombeyi wetland in Kisumu county.
Cell:+254717351138
Email:lvemp2@gmail.com www.lvemp2kenya.org

LVEMP II e-Newsletter highlights conservation efforts

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