Paving the Way for a Bright Future: 19-million-shilling Carbon Project-Funded Education Bursaries Launched

Three of the 14 NRT member community conservancies involved in the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project (NKRCP) launched Carbon Project-funded education bursaries amounting to Ksh 19 million, benefitting 4,600 students.

Isiolo County Governor, H.E. Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, who presided over the launch event endorsed the bursaries which target conservancies in Isiolo County, including Nasuulu, Biliqo Bulesa, and Oldonyiro’s Naapu, Nanapisho, Nannapa, Narupa units. All the 12 community conservancies in Isiolo plan to spend a combined Ksh 38 million on educational bursaries in 2023, in line with decisions made and approved by their respective indigenous communities.

Through the NKRCP, Ksh 23 million was disbursed to the County Government in Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, and Laikipia Counties (in 2022 and 2023) for drought mitigation, benefiting 14,330 households across the four counties. The NKRCP is the world’s largest soil carbon removal project which connects rangeland restoration and livestock grazing planning to direct financial benefits for local communities.

The project provides communities with long-term sustainable revenue. The Governor, who was accompanied by his deputy Dr. James Lowasa, Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohammed Roba, County Secretary Dade Boru, Isiolo MCAs, and the executive team, praised the project, terming it beneficial to communities in areas such as health, water, education, drought relief, and community-led projects such as tourism.