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Government Takes Action Against Mathenge Tree Invasion

Prosopis Juliflora tree

President William Ruto’s administration has issued a directive to address the widespread devastation caused by the Prosopis Juliflora tree, commonly known as “Mathenge,” across 22 counties in Kenya. The invasive species has been identified as a major contributor to the loss of grazing land and a significant reduction in arable land throughout the country.

Government officials highlighted the detrimental impact of the Mathenge Tree on biodiversity, wetlands, and national parks. Originally introduced to combat soil erosion and address fuelwood shortages in Arid and Semi-arid areas (ASALs), the rapid spread of Mathenge has led to adverse consequences, including the loss of biodiversity, farmlands, and increased livestock deaths due to consumption of its leaves and thorns. Additionally, its proliferation has exacerbated the spread of malaria.

In response, President Ruto’s cabinet has tasked the Environment, Agriculture, and Energy ministries with forming an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the Mathenge invasion. While the government aims to address the crisis, it seeks to explore potential beneficial uses of the plant, such as researching its viability as a source of renewable energy and exploring alternative uses for wood products and charcoal that minimize carbon emissions.

The Ministry of Environment disclosed that the Mathenge tree was initially introduced in Kenya in 1980 to combat land degradation and desertification. However, its invasive nature has resulted in widespread losses across various counties, with 16 of them identified as particularly vulnerable. Counties most affected by the Mathenge invasion include Turkana, Tana-River, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kajiado, and others, where the tree has significantly displaced indigenous vegetation, posing a significant environmental challenge that necessitates urgent action.

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