Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Thursday that environmental conservation is critical in bringing about peace and sustainable development.
He called on Kenyans to collaborate with government agencies in taking care of the forests in the country.
“By conserving our forests, we will ensure that there are enough resources for all communities. Only a conserved environment will provide livelihoods for all,” said Murkomen.
He said that the government has changed the way of forest conservation by opening the door for locals to own and contribute to conservation exercises.
“The government has changed the way it conserves forests; we now want to work with locals,” said the CS.
Murkomen was speaking in Tebe, Elgeyo Marakwet County, during the inaugural Cherangany Hills Peace and Conservation Race, which is coming a day before the launch of Cherangany Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) Programme.
The programme, undertaken by the OKM Foundation under the patronage of the Interior boss, is a long-term ecosystem restoration initiative seeking to restore ecological balance, strengthen climate resilience, safeguard water towers, and improve livelihoods for communities that depend on the Cherangany ecosystem.
“When taking care of the forests, we will also take care of the livelihoods of locals. We will create job opportunities, buy tree seedlings from you, support your businesses, and give you alternative livelihoods.” said Murkomen.
The Sh15 billion programme is aligned with national climate action and environmental conservation efforts, including the President’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Agenda.
The 10km race was won by Mathew Rutto and Catherine Lelin.
The race was marked by tree planting on the edge of Embobut Forest, which is one of the 22 gazetted forests in the Cherangany Hills ecosystem.
The ceremony was presided over by Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Dr. Ida Odinga, and Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Dr. Deborah Mlongo, among other leaders.
“For too long, people have fought in the Kerio Valley because they lack basic resources. When rivers dry, when grazing lands shrink, and when there is no water for livestock, communities turn on each other. The cattle thief is often simply a young man whose environment has collapsed around him. This programme will help to address this challenge,” said Dr Odinga.
