Climate Change Deemed a National Security Threat by Interior CS Kindiki

Garissa, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared climate change a national security threat in Kenya. Speaking at Garissa University during a tree planting event on national tree planting day, Kindiki highlighted the link between climate change-induced droughts and conflicts over resources such as water and pasture among pastoralist communities. These conflicts, often escalating into clashes with farmers, have led to increased insecurity in various regions.

According to Kenya News Agency, During the event, government officials and citizens planted around 8,000 tree seedlings. Kindiki emphasized the importance of creating a tree-planting culture in Kenya to combat climate change, instructing chiefs and their assistants to spearhead tree planting sensitizations in their areas. Northeastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno mentioned that his team aims to plant 300,000 trees, contributing to the national target of increasing tree cover. Garissa County, in particular, has been severely impacted by climate change, experiencing recurrent droughts, floods, and locust invasions.

The government’s nationwide tree-planting initiative, aiming to plant 500 million tree seedlings, is part of a larger commitment to plant 15 billion trees over the next 10 years. This effort is directed towards combating deforestation and achieving the constitutional goal of 10% forest cover by 2030. The tree planting day saw participation from various leaders, including Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and MPs from different constituencies.