By Winnie Kamau
In Narok County , Nina Solia one of the brains behind Eco Manyatta project has transformed the Maasai
community without losing cultural trappings.This technology of manyattas is made of concrete on the floor and soil made blocks. The modernized manyatta uses structurally strong, durable and locally available resources.
For the first time the manyattas are powered using solar lighting that will not only help light up the house but also enable the children read in the night.The project is managed by International Labour Organization (ILO) among other stakeholders.
Long treks in search for pasture and water for their livestock marks a typical day for pastrolists. An example of an experience taught me the realities of a nomad in September last year when I joined a group from the Borana community living in Merti, Isiolo County who were on a camel caravan trek for 250 km from Merti to Archers post in Samburu County sensitizing communities of the effects of climate change and the need to conserve their lifeblood, Ewaso Ng’iro River. Fast forward to 2015 when one of the biggest Climate change conference in Africa was held focusing on Community Based Adaptation to climate change. The conference is a build up to the COP21 conference in Paris revealed the challenges of combating climate change.
UNEP’s Executive Deputy Director Ibrahim Thiaw pointed out “Climate change is here and it is here to stay”. Kenya’s climate change bill is ready on course and at the Senate level as confirmed by Cabinet Secretary of Environment, Prof. Judi Wakhungu but is this sure commitment from the Kenyan Government.
Even with Africa development bank in 2013 allocating 432 Million US Dollars for climate change adaptation programs one thing is clear inclusion of culture and traditional values are important in the fight of climate change.
Next to the manyatta a digester using the cow dung from the livestock is fitted to provide biogas for while the rain water is harvested and stored for use in huge tanks. An Eco toilet that uses less water to clean and are environmentally friendly completes the homestead.
