The Deputy Head of Public Service (DHOPS) Amos Gachecha has called on Kenyans to embrace a united, community-driven approach to protecting the country’s natural heritage, reaffirming government’s commitment to an integrated approach in the conservation of natural resources.
Speaking during a meeting held at Harambee House, Nairobi, with a team from the Integrated National Resource Management Secretariat (INRMS) led by Prof. Julius G. Tanui and the Head of Nature Conservancy (TNC) Dr. Ruth Masha, Gathecha described the discussions as “a strong step towards ensuring that our ecosystems are safeguarded not only for today, but for future generations.”
The DHOPS noted that forests, rivers, wetlands, grasslands, and wildlife form the backbone of livelihoods and must be managed in ways that put communities at the centre.
“Conservation will only succeed, when our people see themselves as custodians and direct beneficiaries of healthy ecosystems. Integrated Natural Resource Management is about ensuring that local communities, county governments, and national agencies walk this journey together,” he said.
The establishment of the Integrated National Resource Management Secretariat (INRMS) under the Executive Office of the President seeks to harmonize natural resource management efforts under one national framework.
By promoting ecosystem mapping, inclusive cross-sectoral planning and adaptive management, the policy is designed to replace fragmented approaches with a coordinated, people-centred model.
The DHOPS emphasized that the government’s 10 billion Tree Growing Initiative, launched by President Dr. William Ruto remains a cornerstone of this effort, linking reforestation with wider ecological restoration.
He urged citizens across counties to actively participate in tree planting, the restoration of degraded landscapes, and the safeguarding of biodiversity.
“Every tree planted, every wetland restored, every river kept clean is an investment in our children’s future,” said Gathecha.
The meeting also underscored the importance of empowering counties and local resource-user groups to play a stronger role in decision-making.
By embedding conservation in local planning and everyday practices, the country can achieve its target of protecting 30 percent of land and marine areas by 2030.
“Our story is not just about written policies. It is about farmers, pastoralists, fisherfolk, youth and women, who understand their landscapes best. INRMS brings their voices to the centre of conservation,” the DHOPS added.
Meanwhile, the government has pledged to continue convening inclusive forums, where national agencies, conservation partners and local communities co-create solutions that protect ecosystems, while also improving livelihoods.
By Jacqueline Adyang
