Kenya Prioritizes Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Environmental Challenges

Kiboko, Makindu Sub County – A cooperative approach involving donors, local communities, and governmental authorities has been highlighted as the most effective means for environmental conservation in Kenya. This strategy is essential for the protection of natural resources and the sustainable future of the environment.

According to Kenya News Agency, Climate Change Portfolio Manager Robina Abuya stressed the significance of such partnerships. These collaborations are seen as key to unlocking the potential of the environment to improve livelihoods, boost biodiversity, and counter climate change impacts. These remarks were conveyed by Kenya UK PACT, Country Associate Portfolio Ann Kirugi during a two-day workshop held at a hotel in Kiboko, Makindu Sub county on Wednesday.

The workshop, organized by the Centre for International Forestry Research (ICRAF), is focused on sensitizing County Environment Committee (CEC) members. It is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Makueni CEC to manage environmental concerns effectively, promote forest restoration, and strengthen landscape resilience.

Abuya noted that the workshop provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and form networks to confront environmental challenges. Kirugi, representing the UK PACT, reiterated the organization’s commitment, through its strategic plan 2020-2025, to fostering partnerships that encourage an integrated approach to climate change mitigation.

Kirugi highlighted their intention to center on energy and nature-based solutions that support conservation and restoration of natural resources. She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, like the ongoing one between the county government of Makueni, ICRAF, and UK PACT, which offer tailored capacity building and technical support in line with county priorities.

The event also addressed the acceleration of the decentralization process in forest governance, encouragement of private investment in forest reserves to increase forest cover, and promotion of improved land restoration and agricultural practices at the community level.

Mavindini Ward representative Jonathan Kimongo, who also serves on the Makueni Assembly Committee on Climate Change, inaugurated the workshop. He called upon the residents of Makueni to actively engage in tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change in the county. The workshop was opened officially on behalf of the County Executive for Urban Planning and Environment Dr. Sonia Nzilani.

Among those in attendance were ICRAF Kenya Director Prof. Catherine Muthuri, NEMA Director of Research Dr. Charles Lange, and various county government officials.