The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has enhanced the capacity of the 47 county commissioners to lead tree-planting activities through a training program supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The training curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Kenya School of Government, will equip county commissioners with monitoring and reporting mechanisms for climate change interventions within their counties.
“The impacts of climate change are unprecedented, with extreme weather displacing over a quarter of a million people and affecting nearly half a million people in the country. Therefore, providing strategic preparedness and a coordination mechanism to support the Ministry of Environment’s efforts in the nationwide implementation of climate change interventions is crucial,” stated Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary, of the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration.
“Through the National Climate Change Security Readiness Programme, we are committed to training county commissioners and over 15,000 National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) on climate change to empower them in mobilizing and supporting climate change interventions, including the 15 billion tree campaign,” he added.
The training aligns with the National Climate Change Security Readiness Programme’s objective to build the capacity of all National Government Administrative Officers for effective participation, stakeholder engagement, and coordination in the government’s climate change programs.
“It is crucial to foster an understanding of different ecosystems and actions to support climate-resilient development and cooperation over shared resources. President William Ruto has emphasized the vital role of leadership and commitment in advancing environmental conservation and climate action in Kenya,” said Hon. Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Climate Change and Forestry in the Ministry of Environment.
“In this context, we are collaborating with other ministries to ensure seamless coordination and oversight of the tree-planting campaign at the grassroots level, and we are confident that this partnership with the Ministry of Interior will effectively advance these interventions,” he added.
The renewed tree planting efforts reflect Kenya’s commitment to achieving the United Nations-recommended minimum of 10 percent forest cover per country, a target enshrined in national law.
