Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday presided over the official launch of the Cherangany Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) in Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet County, as the government renewed its commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.
Speaking during the event held to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, Kindiki said Kenya must intensify efforts to protect ecosystems and conserve the environment for future generations.
“Today being the International Biodiversity Day is a good time to reflect on our duty to protect and conserve the environment for present and future generations,” Kindiki said.
Biodiversity Key to Food Security and Public Health
The Deputy President noted that environmental conservation is directly linked to climate stability, agriculture, food security and public health.
“Maintaining the natural environmental quantities of the world’s species of flora and fauna are intricately linked to our climate, our agriculture, our food security and even public health,” he stated.
Kindiki said the government remains committed to ensuring every Kenyan enjoys the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
“The Government is committed to promote the right to a clean and healthy environment promised in the Constitution of Kenya as a right of every person who lives within our borders,” he added.
Kenya Has Planted 1.7 Billion Trees
Kindiki revealed that the country’s ambitious programme to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 is progressing steadily, with 1.7 billion trees already planted since the initiative began in 2022.
“The initiative that commenced in 2022 to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032 is on course, with 1.7 billion trees planted so far,” he said.
According to the Deputy President, earlier structural challenges affecting the programme have now been addressed, paving the way for accelerated tree planting efforts nationwide.
“The structural challenges that had affected the annual target for this programme have now been addressed to give way for acceleration of tree planting and growth,” Kindiki stated.
Focus on Restoring Major Water Towers
The Deputy President further said the restoration of Kenya’s major water towers has gained momentum as part of broader environmental conservation efforts.
“The restoration of the ecosystems of the five largest water towers — Mt Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges, the Mau, Cherangany and Mt Elgon Towers — has gathered pace,” he said.
The CHERISH programme is an initiative of the OKM Foundation, whose patron is Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
