𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴’𝗶.

Chumo said the initiative is aimed at rehabilitating degraded riverbanks and protecting communities living in flood-prone areas.

He noted that continued human activities along riparian and wetland areas have disrupted natural ecosystems, forcing wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, and snakes into 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 Sh1 billion yearly over the past three years to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict, with Busia County receiving about Sh15 million.

He, however, emphasised 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.