National Assembly vows to boost funding for protection of Kenya’s gazetted forests
Wetang’ula said the move is aimed at curbing forest destruction and encroachment that threaten the government’s plan to plant 15 billion trees.
The National Assembly has pledged to push for increased funding to the Ministry of Environment to fence and protect gazetted forests across Kenya.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the move is aimed at curbing forest destruction and encroachment that threaten the government’s plan to plant 15 billion trees.
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Speaking at the 48th Graduation Ceremony of the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, Wetang’ula emphasised that fencing is critical to safeguarding water catchment areas.
“The National Assembly will push for enhanced budget allocation to the ministry to fund the fencing of gazetted forests as part of efforts to realise the President’s target,” he said.
He urged county governments to partner with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to train forest extension officers, highlighting that collaboration between national and county authorities is essential for sustainable forest management.
The Speaker also called on the Ministry of Environment to map disaster-prone areas and prioritise tree planting following recent deadly landslides.
He encouraged the graduating students to use their skills to restore degraded ecosystems and contribute to the nation’s green-growth agenda, describing forests as the “lungs of our nation” and vital to Kenya’s survival.
Wetang’ula praised the Kenya Forestry College as a centre of technical excellence and environmental leadership, noting that forestry training goes beyond technical skills to tackle challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
He said Parliament remains committed to passing laws that protect water towers, empower communities, and promote climate-smart practices nationwide.
The Speaker also highlighted the government’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative, praising the college for aligning its programmes with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. He noted that the institution’s expanded technical and vocational courses are important for creating green jobs and supporting a circular economy.
Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa said ministry teams had been deployed to support relocation and awareness efforts in Elgeyo Marakwet following deadly landslides, and urged increased tree planting across the country to meet national targets.
“We will work with counties to raise awareness among residents in high-risk areas to encourage them to move to safer locations,” Barasa said.
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