Turkana plans to tap gum arabic income

Turkana County government has rolled out plans to transform gum arabic production into an income generating activity for locals who can easily access two predominant acacia species - Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal.

County deputy director for natural resources Pauline Pusiye said gum arabic — a natural product collected from stems or branches of hardened sap from the two acacia species — is used as stabiliser in soft drinks and food. She added that it is also used as an ingredient in non-food items that include paint, medicine and cosmetics.