This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On Thursday, Vihiga County Governor Wilber Ottichilo officially launched the construction of an Administration Block at the Maragoli Hills Forest, marking a significant step towards its conservation.
The European Union has allocated Sh160 million towards the conservation of the forest, which is a major water tower for Vihiga County.
According to Governor Ottichilo, the EU grant will be disbursed in July 2020 and will be used to initiate various activities aimed at conserving the forest and improving the livelihoods of the surrounding community.
The Administration Block, fully sponsored by the county administration, will serve as a centre for coordinating various economic activities at the Maragoli Hills Forest.
"My administration has entered into a working partnership with the Kenya Forestry Services (KFS) with the main objective of not only conserving this forest, but more importantly to convert it to an economic hub for the county," Governor Ottichilo remarked.
The county boss also revealed plans to establish a tourist attraction site in the forest, which will help the county boost its revenue collection from both local and international tourists.
Present at the groundbreaking ceremony were Deputy Governor Dr Patrick Saisi, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water and Environment Marita Agufana, and her Chief Officer Dr Richard Boyo.
By Maurice Aluda
