Environment and Climate Change

Kenya and Italy Deepen Partnership to Restore Cherangany Forest Ecosystem

Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno today co-chaired the inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project at a Nairobi hotel alongside the Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Italy in Kenya, Marco Scoppa.

In his remarks, Dr. Ng’eno underscored the importance of the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem as one of Kenya’s critical water towers, supporting biodiversity conservation, water security, climate regulation, agriculture, and livelihoods for millions of Kenyans.

“The ecosystem continues to face significant threats, including deforestation, forest encroachment, unsustainable land use practices, charcoal production, and the adverse impacts of climate change,” PS Ng’eno noted.

The Principal Secretary observed that the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project comes at a critical time in addressing these challenges, adding that the scale of restoration required can only be achieved through strong partnerships and coordinated efforts among stakeholders.

Dr. Ng’eno commended the partnership between the Governments of Kenya and Italy, acknowledging the support of the Italian Embassy and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Nairobi in advancing conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in the country.

Dr. Ng’eno noted that the project aligns with Kenya’s constitutional environmental obligations, the National Ecosystems and Landscape Restoration Strategy under the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Kenya’s climate commitments, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reversing environmental degradation and strengthening climate resilience through collaborative and community-centered approaches.

“To demonstrate the Government’s commitment to restoring the Cherangany ecosystem,” Dr. Ng’eno added, “the Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, has adopted the ecosystem and is expected to launch its 10-year restoration plan on May 22, 2026, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.”

PS Ng’eno emphasized that the current project should serve as a catalyst for broader and long-term restoration efforts, expressing optimism for continued collaboration and partnership with the Government of Italy throughout the 10-year restoration journey.

He reiterated the committee’s responsibility in providing strategic oversight, enhancing accountability, strengthening coordination among implementing institutions, and guiding the effective implementation of project interventions.

The Principal Secretary further called for transparency, inclusivity, sustainability, and prudent utilization of project resources, while emphasizing the need to place local communities, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups, at the center of the restoration agenda.

Dr. Ng’eno also expressed confidence in National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) as the executing agency and acknowledged the efforts already made by implementing partners working closely with grassroots communities within the Cherangany landscape.

He urged stakeholders to accelerate implementation for rapid and tangible results, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among national and county governments, local communities, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector.

The PS emphasized the importance of proper resource alignment, investment, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems to ensure the project delivers meaningful impact to communities through practical interventions and investments beyond workshops and seminars.

𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

The transformative impact of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme took center stage during the launch of its 10th Edition, as leaders hailed the initiative as a model for ecosystem restoration, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo described the programme as a shining example of how environmental conservation can drive peace, stability, and economic transformation within communities.

Dr. Omollo noted that the remarkable progress achieved in Kaptagat over the last decade has significantly contributed towards Kenya’s ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. He emphasized that collaborative ecosystem adoption models such as the Kaptagat initiative are critical in enabling the country to meet its restoration goals.

He further underscored the strong link between environmental conservation and security, noting that improved ecosystems help reduce conflicts over scarce resources such as water and pasture, while also minimizing vulnerability to criminal activities.

“It is important for us in the Interior Ministry to support peace and stability through improved ecosystems. Where resources are limited, conflicts often emerge. Conservation therefore becomes part of the solution,” he stated.

Dr. Omollo added that the Ministry of Interior has integrated climate action into its grassroots administrative structures through the Chiefs Climate Action initiative, where every first Friday of the month chiefs mobilize communities to plant and nurture trees in support of the national restoration agenda.

Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno said the transformation achieved in Kaptagat over the last 10 years in sustainability, restoration, and improvement of livelihoods has been immense.

“The success of Kaptagat has inspired many of us to adopt ecosystems and champion conservation efforts across the country,” he said.

PS Ng’eno noted that the programme has inspired restoration initiatives in other critical ecosystems including Oloolua Forest, the Mau Forest Complex, Mt. Elgon, Cherangany Hills, Loita Hills, and Nandi Hills among others.

On his part, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho emphasized the importance of empowering farmers through capacity-building programmes focused on water conservation, rehabilitation of dams, and sustainable agricultural practices. He said the “Maji Safi” initiative seeks to help farmers effectively utilize available water resources while shifting towards high-value horticultural farming to improve household incomes.

The programme’s integrated approach, combining restoration, sustainability, and livelihoods improvement, was lauded as a practical model for community-centered conservation.

The launch also served as a rallying call for enhanced interventions, with stakeholders observing that while notable progress has been made, more efforts are required to accelerate restoration activities and encourage broader public participation towards achieving the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continue coordinating restoration activities and strengthening partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s critical ecosystems.

Happening Now: Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno is participating in the launch of the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme patronized by The National Treasury and Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo at a Nairobi hotel.

The event is presided over by Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo and is attended by Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation), WWF-UK CEO Tanya Steele, WWF-Kenya CEO Mr Jackson Kiplagat, KFS CCF Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, KEFRI CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna among others.

This year’s edition, themed “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”, marks a significant milestone in advancing landscape restoration, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience initiatives in the Kaptagat ecosystem and beyond.

The programme has, over the years, grown into a flagship conservation initiative bringing together government institutions, development partners, local communities, and the private sector in a shared commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting water towers, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The “10 to 20” theme reflects a renewed ambition to scale up conservation gains achieved over the past decade into the next ten years through accelerated restoration efforts, sustainable environmental stewardship, and transformative climate action.

The event has brought together stakeholders from across the environmental and conservation sectors to reaffirm collective action towards achieving Kenya’s national restoration targets and strengthening the country’s contribution to global climate and sustainability goals.

The Congo Basin is a strategic ecological asset and one of the world’s most important carbon sinks, playing a critical role in global climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for millions of people across Africa.

On the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, President Dr. William Ruto today co-chaired, alongside President Denis Sassou N’Guesso of the Republic of Congo, the 4th Summit of the Congo Basin Climate Commission.

The high-level summit brought together Heads of State, development partners, and international organizations to advance the sustainable management of the Congo Basin ecosystem while strengthening regional cooperation on climate action and environmental conservation across Central and Eastern Africa.

Discussions focused on enhancing regional collaboration in protecting forest ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable development, and mobilizing international partnerships to support conservation and green growth initiatives across the Congo Basin region.

Leaders also emphasized the importance of coordinated environmental governance, sustainable financing mechanisms, and collective African leadership in addressing the growing impacts of climate change while safeguarding critical natural resources for future generations.

The summit further provided an important platform for member states and partners to align priorities ahead of upcoming global and continental engagements on climate finance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable economic transformation.

President Ruto was accompanied by the Ministry’s leadership, including Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa and Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, among other senior government officials.

𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗼 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗦 𝗡𝗴’𝗲𝗻𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮-𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno today hosted in his office a team from Meteo France International (MFI) led by the President Jean-Sébastien Cases.

The PS and his guests discussed the next steps following the recent signing of the Statement of Intent between Kenya and France on meteorological services modernisation.

The meeting follows the signing ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, witnessed by His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto and France President Emmanuel Macron, which marked a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between Kenya and France in weather and climate services.

Discussions focused on implementation priorities under the proposed modernisation programme, including enhancement of Kenya’s meteorological observation networks, operational forecasting systems, climate information services, and flood risk management capacity.

The delegation briefed the Principal Secretary on ongoing technical engagements and the roadmap towards operationalising the partnership, which aims to strengthen Kenya’s institutional and technical capacity in delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable weather and climate information services.

Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno welcomed the continued collaboration between Kenya and France, noting that the initiative will play a critical role in supporting climate resilience, disaster preparedness, environmental management, agriculture, aviation safety, water resource management, and national economic planning.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the programme, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer, capacity building, and strategic partnerships in modernising Kenya’s meteorological infrastructure to respond to the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

The partnership between KMSA and Meteo France International is expected to significantly improve Kenya’s ability to monitor, forecast, and respond to weather and climate-related risks while enhancing access to high-quality meteorological services for communities and key economic sectors across the country.

The PS was accompanied in the meeting by Kenya Meteorological Department Acting Director General Edward M. Muriuki among others.
French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia

For the future of our children, PS Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno will be running in the Mau Conservation Marathon and invites you to join him.

Every stride will echo a promise to restore our forests, protect our water towers, and secure a greener tomorrow for generations to come.

This is more than a race. It is a movement where every kilometre becomes a seed of hope, every heartbeat fuels conservation, and every runner becomes a champion for the planet.

Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott

Kenya Moves to Finalize National Wetlands Restoration Programme to Boost Climate Resilience

Kenya has taken a significant step toward strengthening the protection and restoration of its wetlands following the validation and finalization workshop of the Kenya Integrated Wetlands Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilience Programme (K-IWERCP) concept note held Naivasha.

The workshop was opened virtually by the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, who emphasized the urgent need to restore degraded wetland ecosystems across the country as a key pillar of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

He noted that wetlands across the country continue to face increasing pressure from encroachment, pollution, unsustainable land use, and climate variability, citing ecosystems such as Yala, Nyando, Ondiri, Lake Ol’ Bolossat, and the Tana Delta as being among the most affected.

According to the PS, the degradation of these ecosystems is undermining their critical functions, including flood regulation, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and support for livelihoods.

Dr. Ng’eno further warned that the loss of wetland integrity is worsening the impact of climate extremes, with communities in flood-prone areas such as Nyando and Budalang’i continuing to experience recurring floods, while others face prolonged droughts that strain access to water, grazing land, fisheries, and other natural resources.

He said the K-IWERCP programme has been designed as a transformative national initiative to restore and sustainably manage wetlands across major basin systems, while strengthening coordination among national and county governments, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

The PS also underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive national wetlands database to guide prioritization of restoration efforts based on ecological importance, level of degradation, climate vulnerability, biodiversity value, and community dependence on wetland resources.

He added that the programme will provide a strong investment framework to support resource mobilization and will be submitted through the Public Investment Management Information System (PIMIS) for further consideration and financing engagement with development partners.

Dr. Ng’eno emphasized that investing in wetlands is critical for Kenya’s long-term water security, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, urging participants to ensure the concept note is technically robust, coherent, and implementable.

The PS expressed optimism that the final document would strengthen Kenya’s national efforts in wetland restoration and climate adaptation.

The meeting was convened by the Director of Programmes, Projects and Strategic Initiatives, Ms. Vicky Betty, and brought together experts from key institutions including the Water Resources Authority, National Environment Trust Fund, Wetlands International, among other technical stakeholders.