Kericho and other parts of Western Kenya are expected to experience above-normal rainfall from September as the country prepares for the anticipated El Niño phenomenon, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Eng. Festus Ng’eno announced.
Dr. Ng’eno, who spoke during the 49th Graduation Ceremony at the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, said the latest national climate outlook released by the Kenya Meteorological Service indicates serious signs of an El Niño event, with enhanced rains expected to continue through the October-December rainfall season and into January in some areas.
Environment PS urged residents to take precautions against possible flooding and landslides by avoiding flooded roads, bridges, and rivers; staying away from areas prone to landslides; and moving to safer ground where necessary.
“Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution remain major challenges facing the country, with land degradation, degraded forest areas, and poor farming practices contributing to environmental degradation.” Added Dr. Ng’eno
He further said the Presidential initiative to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 remains critical in mitigating the effects of climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, and strengthening environmental resilience.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary, State Department for Forestry, Mr. Mugambi Gitonga, said Kericho County currently has a forest cover of 23.2 per cent and called for increased tree-growing efforts to enable the county to accelerate progress towards its targets and contribute more to the national 15 billion trees programme.
Mr. Gitonga said Kericho has an annual target of planting 16.3 million trees but has so far planted only 17.1 million trees since the national tree-growing initiative began in 2022.
“Kericho is behind schedule, having planted 17.1 million trees against more than 48 million trees that should have been planted by now, and I am therefore calling for greater effort from all stakeholders to bridge the gap, meet the county’s annual target, and help the country achieve the national 15 billion tree target,” said Mr. Mugambi.
The PS said the 15 billion trees initiative would contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable energy, livelihoods, tourism, and rural development while strengthening the country’s response to climate change.
He urged the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation to support the implementation of the national tree-growing programme.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, said trained forestry professionals had a critical role to play in forest restoration, tree growing, and environmental protection as Kenya works towards achieving its environmental conservation goals.
He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to promote sustainable forest management, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
A total of 381 graduates, comprising 174 males and 207 females, were awarded certificates following successful completion of their training, with women accounting for the majority of this year’s graduates.
The graduation also highlighted the increasing participation of women in forestry training, with female enrolment and graduation having risen steadily since 2022.
Kipkelion, East Member of Parliament Hon. Joseph Cherorot, Kenya Forestry College Principal Mr. Francis Musyimi, government officials, forestry and environmental stakeholders; college staff, parents, graduates and other invited guests attended the ceremony.
By Beatrice Chepkirui
