Kenya: The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Hon. Soipan Tuya has called on Kenyans to conserve Wetlands which she said were critical biodiversity areas which provide sustenance to thousands of people.
The CS was speaking today at Enkong’u Enkare Wetland at Naarosura in Narok County during the marking of World Wetlands Day, which is marked annually on 2nd February. The theme for 2023 is ‘Its time for wetland restoration’.
The CS also urged Kenyans to conserve forests and embark on the government’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, thereby alleviating the country’s tree cover to beyond 30%.
The CS warned those who were engaging in illegal forest activities that stern action will be taken against them, noting that the government will not allow some people to take the country back in its quest to attain sustainable forest cover.
Speaking at the same event, the Governor of Narok County, Patrick Ole Ntutu, thanked the CS for holding the national ceremony in his county. He noted that Narok was largely a semi-arid zone, and the people depended on water catchments such as the Mau Complex and numerous wetlands for survival.
The Governor said that Hon. Enkong’u Enkare supported hundreds of farmers who use irrigation to provide drinking water for hundreds of livestock.
Over six thousand seedlings were planted at the event where the CCF, Mr Julius Kamau, was represented by the Principal Conservator of Forests, Dr Benjamin Kinyili and the Regional Forest Conservator (RFC), Mr Francis Kariuki.
Also present at the colourful event were the PS for the State Department of Environment and Climate Change Eng. Festus Ng’eno, KFS Chairman Mr Job Chirchir, the NEMA Chairman Mr Eric Mungai, area Member of Parliament Hon. Sylvester Kitilai and the County Commissioner Mr Isaac Masinde, among other leaders.
Kenya Forest Services also shared this year’s theme on its official Twitter account.
The @Environment_Ke CS @HonTuya has called on Kenyans to conserve Wetlands which she said are critical biodiversity areas which provide sustenance to thousands of people during the marking of the #WorldWetlandsDay2023 at Enkong'u Enkare Wetland in Narok County. pic.twitter.com/nkbwpvqbaU
— Kenya Forest Service (@KeForestService) February 2, 2023