Makueni County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Urban Planning, Environment, and Climate Change Dr Paul Musila has called upon his staff and other stakeholders to set clear targets to guide efforts in conserving the environment.
Dr Musila noted that with specific and measurable goals, the county can better direct its actions toward restoring and protecting the degraded environment.
“When we have clear targets, we can work to achieve the expected goals and improve the state of our environment,” he said when officially opening a workshop for County Environment Committee members and officers at a Wote hotel on Monday.
The two-day workshop sought to validate the Makueni County Forest and Landscape Restoration Plan (FOLAREP) and operationalize its implementation.
Dr. Musila linked the rising cases of illnesses in communities to poor environmental management and urged residents to take personal responsibility in daily actions that impact nature.
He particularly cautioned against charcoal burning, which he said had severely contributed to environmental degradation in the county.
“The things we do daily will determine whether we achieve our goals. Stop charcoal burning. Since we fenced off Chyulu National Park, springs have started to flow again,” he said.
The CECM revealed that implementing the restoration plan would require Sh30.1 billion up to 2033 and urged stakeholders to embrace collective responsibility in resource mobilisation and environmental protection.
During the session, participants were sensitised on the policy brief, concept note, and resource mobilisation strategy of FOLAREP, aimed at ensuring coordinated implementation across sectors.
Makueni County Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Jimmy Owiti, emphasised the need for proactive environmental conservation to safeguard the ecosystem against the worsening effects of climate change.
“The effects of climate change are real, and we cannot ignore them. We must have a clear strategy to tackle the issues and preserve our environment,” said Owiti.
Present were the Chief Officer for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi, and other county officials, who underscored the importance of collaboration in promoting sustainable environmental practices.
By Patrick Nyakundi
