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As World Environment Day approaches, Kenya is intensifying its efforts to address the pressing environmental issues of desertification and land degradation, which affect over 80% of the country’s arid and semi-arid regions. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Chairman, Emilio Mugo, highlighted the severe impact of these issues, costing the country Ksh 3.4 billion annually.
In response, Kenya has set a bold target to restore 5.1 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 under the Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) programme. Additionally, the country aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a campaign designed to combat desertification and enhance ecological resilience.
Recent climatic fluctuations have further exacerbated these challenges. According to NEMA Director General Mamo B. Mamo, represented by Director of Corporate Services Kennedy Ochuka, Kenya has faced intensified droughts in recent years, followed by heavy rainfall and floods in the past year, costing the country over Ksh 800 million. These conditions underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and its impacts on formerly arable lands.
Levis Kavagi, UNEP Country Representative, emphasized the importance of resilience in combating desertification. Speaking at the World Environment Day Panel Discussion at the University of Nairobi, Kavagi noted, “Building resilience is the surest way to restore our lands and halt desertification.” He called for a collective reflection on the country’s progress towards environmental sustainability.
The panel discussion, held as a precursor to World Environment Day celebrations, was organized to highlight the upcoming event at the University of Embu in Embu County on June 5, 2024. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” Various activities, including cleanups, football matches, community forums, and tree planting, are planned as part of the buildup to the main event.
The panel featured diverse stakeholders, including representatives from the Nairobi River Commission, Safaricom, Nature Kenya, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Together, they discussed strategies and shared insights on effective land restoration and resilience building.
As Kenya mobilizes for World Environment Day, the collective efforts of government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations aim to create a significant impact on the nation’s environmental health and sustainability. The initiatives planned reflect a strong commitment to reversing land degradation, mitigating the effects of climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future for all Kenyans.
