EU Ambassador in first visit to Laikipia County to launch joint projects

20.09.2019

The European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Simon Mordue is on his first visit to Laikipia County from 20 - 21 September 2019, to visit ongoing European Union projects with the County government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO.)

 During the two day visit, Ambassador Mordue will engage with county and national government officials, NGOs and local business representatives.  He is scheduled to visit several projects, including the Maize Storage Facilities Project which is jointly implemented by Laikipia County Government, Ministry of Devolution and the European Union.

Ahead of the visit Ambassador Mordue said:  "This project on maize storage and driers will reduce post-harvest losses by 50 percent and increase earnings to farmers from the current Ksh1450 per bag to Ksh.2900. We are a strong supporter of Devolution that is why we are partnering with Laikipia County Government and the Ministry of Devolution to implement this project."

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Laboratory and the refurbished land registry will be launched and handed-over in Laikipia County on the 21st of September 2019. Ambassador Mordue said:  "The Digital GIS and the refurbished land registry will make it much easier for Kenyans to buy, sell or obtain proof of ownership of land to use for collateral. It will also help the government to improve its spatial planning and monitor land use, and thereby provide better services to the people.  Improving land governance and securing the natural resource base in the communal lands will help contribute significantly to employment and job creation; food and nutrition security; investment opportunities and the management of community conflicts. Under the EUR 10.4 million (1.2 billion Shillings) FAO Land Governance programme, the EU together with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and the National Land Commission, is contributing to these important and transformative objectives."