Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, saying Kenya’s long-term economic and social stability depends on protecting biodiversity and natural resources.
Speaking in Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet County, during celebrations to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, Kindiki said environmental protection remains central to the Government’s development agenda.
He noted that biodiversity conservation is directly linked to climate resilience, agriculture, food security, and public health, warning that environmental degradation continues to threaten livelihoods across the country.
“Maintaining the natural environmental quantities of the world’s species of flora and fauna is intricately linked to our climate, our agriculture, our food security and even public health,” he said.
Kindiki said the Government remains committed to upholding the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment for all Kenyans.
Tree Planting Programme Gains Momentum
Kindiki said the national programme to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032 is progressing steadily, with 1.7 billion trees already planted since the initiative was launched in 2022.
According to the DP Kindiki, early structural and logistical challenges that had slowed implementation have now been addressed, paving the way for accelerated tree planting and improved survival rates.
The programme forms part of Kenya’s broader climate action strategy aimed at increasing forest cover, restoring degraded land, and strengthening water catchment areas.
He said restoration efforts across the country’s five major water towers have also intensified.
The Government has prioritised conservation activities in Mt Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges, the Mau Forest Complex, Cherangany Hills, and Mt Elgon, all of which play a critical role in water supply, biodiversity protection, and climate regulation.
Cherangany Restoration Programme Launched
During the event, Kindiki presided over the official launch of the Cherangany Ecosystem Restoration Programme, popularly known as CHERISH.
The initiative is spearheaded by the OKM Foundation under the patronage of Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
The programme seeks to restore degraded sections of the Cherangany ecosystem through tree planting, community participation, and sustainable environmental management.
