Kenya is proud to host the global observance of World Desertification and Drought Day 2026 under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a significant recognition of the country’s leadership in advancing global efforts to combat land degradation and build resilience against drought.
This annual observance, marked on 17th June under the theme ‘Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore goes beyond the ceremony by serving as a strategic platform to raise awareness, shape policy dialogue, and mobilise action on the growing challenges of desertification, land degradation, and climate impacts.
Speaking during a High-Level Partnership Resource Mobilization Meeting in preparation of the event which will take place alongside the 11th edition of ‘Our Ocean Conference’, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno highlighted the strong link between land restoration and a resilient blue economy.
Ng’eno therefore emphasized the need to align financial and in-kind contributions from development partners and the private sector to ensure the successful delivery of the global observance.
The meeting also underscored the importance of advancing the 2026 theme as a central pillar in promoting land restoration and strengthening drought resilience.
It further emphasised showcasing Kenya’s homegrown innovations and community-led solutions, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, positioning the country as a global leader in addressing desertification under the UNCCD framework.
In his own remarks, Dr. Ng’eno noted that Kenya, like many other countries, continues to experience the impacts of land degradation and recurring droughts particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and for areas such as Chalbi, this moment underscores the urgency of strengthening policies, restoring ecosystems, and supporting vulnerable livelihoods.
“The national policy frameworks and plans must align to enhancing desertification control and drought mitigations while also fostering climate adaptation, restoring degraded landscapes, promoting sustainable land and rangeland management, and achieving Land Degradation Neutrality targets under the UNCCD framework,” he asserted.
Further, the PS observed that these efforts are anchored in Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which recognises the critical role of natural resources, agriculture, and resilient ecosystems in driving inclusive economic growth.
He, at the same time, emphasised that the success of the global observance will depend on strong partnerships and therefore called on development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to support it through financing, technical expertise, innovation, and strategic communication to ensure a high-impact and globally significant event that leaves a lasting legacy.
On the other hand, the Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi announced that Kenya will also host the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference from 16th to 18th June 2026, the first time the conference will be held in Africa, under the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future’.
The conference, she disclosed, will prioritize advancing ocean finance, empowering youth, promoting an inclusive blue economy, strengthening marine conservation, and addressing illegal fishing, while linking ocean sustainability to socio-economic growth and climate resilience.
“The conference will also feature high-level engagements, side events, and partnerships aimed at mobilising investment, innovation, and collaboration,” added Njagi, calling on stakeholders to join efforts in unlocking transformative opportunities and strengthening Africa’s leadership in ocean stewardship.
Meanwhile, both Principal Secretaries emphasised that current efforts are focused on mobilising innovative financing and empowering the next generation of leaders to drive climate action.
The meeting was also attended by Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary for Trade; Environment Secretary Dr Selly Kimosop; Secretary Administration Mongo Chimwanga; development partners; private sector representatives; civil society; and senior government officials from various institutions.
By Michael Omondi
