Manyattas go green after eco-manyattas launched in Narok

Pastoral communities in Narok County are set to benefit from modernised and improved shelters away from their traditional Manyattas through the eco-friendly manyattas courtesy of United Kingdom Aid (UK-Aid) and United Nations Habitat.

The eco-manyatta shelters, which will be constructed using locally available materials apart from the usual sticks, mud and animal hides, will save the environment as well as improve the living standards of the pastoral community.

The initiative spear-headed by Narok Governor Samuel Tunai’s wife, Sarah, features a technology-based house with similar design to the old fashioned manyatta, fully fitted with solar, biogas, water-harvesting kit and an eco-toilet.

The manyattas are set to create employment for the locals as the women, who are traditionally house-builders, will have time to venture into small and medium enterprises to earn income.

WAKE-UP CALL

Area Governor Samuel Tunai termed the initiative as a wake-up call to the community as the project inter-twines the community’s’ culture and the new technology to uplift the living standards of the people.

He hailed partners in the project saying that should the project be fully implemented, the people will realize a change in the economic situations of the youth and women.

UK-Aid representative, Lisa Phillips, said the UK government would continue supporting the Kenyan Government through life-changing initiatives that create employment as well as wealth for communities.

Housing, Lands Principal secretary Ms Mariamu el Maawy, Vision 2030 Director Prof Wainaina Gituro, and International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Alexio Musindo also attended the event.