Trans Nzoia Advocates for Enhanced Forest Conservation EffortsKericho Advocates Complaints Commission Conducts Public Sensitization Campaign

Trans Nzoia – In a bid to combat the adverse effects of climate change, Trans Nzoia County’s leadership is mobilizing residents to intensify tree planting and forest preservation initiatives. These calls were articulated by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, and Natural Resources, Mr. Sam Ojwang, during the International Day of Forests celebrations held at Endebess Technical Training Institute.

According to Kenya News Agency, the importance of forests in mitigating climate change cannot be overstated, and the county is committed to implementing strategies aligned with United Nations General Assembly covenants on environmental conservation. He emphasized the critical role of community engagement in these efforts, urging residents to lead in the preservation and enhancement of local forest resources.

The county official highlighted the negative impacts of deforestation on climate and environmental health, stressing the need for a collective approach to reverse these trends. In response, the county has introduced measures to facilitate public participation in tree planting activities, including the distribution of tree seedlings.

Mr. Ojwang also outlined the county’s ambitious goal to plant 11.9 million trees annually, contributing to the national government’s broader target of planting 15 billion trees by 2030. He encouraged the planting of indigenous tree species, noting their superior environmental benefits, soil enrichment capabilities, and medicinal properties.

The commitment by Trans Nzoia County to enhance forest cover and promote sustainable environmental practices reflects a proactive approach to addressing global climate challenges at the local level, underscoring the vital link between ecological stewardship and community well-being.

KERICHO – In a move to bolster public confidence in legal services, the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC) engaged Kericho residents in a sensitization initiative, educating them on the process for addressing grievances against legal practitioners. The event, hosted at the Kericho Teachers Training College, aimed to clarify the commission’s role and the types of complaints that can be filed against advocates.

According to Kenya News Agency, the commission, which operates under the auspices of the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, is tasked with receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints against advocates. During his presentation, Nyaga outlined various misconducts that could lead to disciplinary action, including misappropriation of client funds, lack of transparency with clients, failure to attend court, and conflicts of interest, among others.

Nyaga emphasized that the ACC provides its services without charge and is dedicated to enhancing the legal profession’s integrity. He encouraged aggrieved individuals to report issues promptly, ensuring that evidence remains current. Highlighting the commission’s impact, Nyaga disclosed that in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the ACC addressed 2,863 complaints, with numerous cases already managed in the current year.

The forum also served as an educational platform, advising participants on best practices when engaging with advocates. These include the importance of written agreements concerning legal fees, communication protocols, and document management to ensure clarity and accountability in attorney-client relationships.

Participants learned about the procedure for lodging complaints, starting with downloading a help form from the ACC’s website, attaching relevant documentation, and submitting their grievances for review. However, Nyaga clarified that the ACC does not handle cases related to advocates’ negligence or complaints against judicial officers and State Counsels.

The event saw participation from various stakeholders, including ACC Commissioner Mweni Kalola, representatives from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), youth representatives, and other government officials, underlining the community-wide emphasis on responsible legal practice.