Kenya: The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry of Kenya, Soipan Tuya, today led the celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in Waita Kitui County.
This is a United Nations observance celebrated each year on 17th June, purposed to raise awareness on the presence of desertification and drought, highlighting methods of preventing desertification and recovery from drought.
This year’s celebration, spearheaded by NEMA, was marked under the theme “Her Land, Her Rights”, which emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity.
Speaking during the function, the CS noted that the success of the 15 billion tree growing strategy will positively impact society with the involvement of women. The CS stated that women are fundamental in restoration and rehabilitation efforts through the propagation of fruit trees to facilitate agroforestry.
She further highlighted that the Ministry is working on a strategy to ensure environmental conservation becomes an all government, all society approach to fast track overall success and achievement of 30% tree cover.
During the event, it was noted that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Education to ensure the value and importance of environmental conservation is inculcated in the education system.
While presiding over the celebrations, the CS, joined by the Governor of Kitui County, Julius Malombe, unveiled the Kitui County Climate Change Action Plan.
The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Peninah Malonza, and the Principal Secretary State Department of Environment and Climate, Festus Ngeno, among other senior National government and Kitui County government officials, attended the event.
The Service was represented by the Eastern Regional Forest Conservator Monica Ndirangu and KFS officers from the Forest Conservation and Management Directorate, and other Eastern Region field officers.