Hon. Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, has urged Kenyans to protect wetlands.
The CS was addressing today at Enkong’u Enkare Wetland in Narok County for World Wetlands Day, which is observed annually on February 2nd.
CS Tuya called on Kenyans to protect forests and join the government’s drive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, increasing the country’s tree cover to more than 30%.
“The Government has prioritized growing of 15 billion trees over the next 10 years. This will ensure that in addition to having a 30% tree cover, the country’s water towers and sources are protected and well taken cares of,” CS Soipan emphasized.
The CS warned anyone involved in unlawful forest activities that harsh action would be taken against them, emphasizing that the government will not allow few persons to derail the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable forest cover.
“We cannot move forward in our efforts to conserve the environment if some other people are illegally cutting trees,” she said.
The event was graced by The Governor of Narok County, H.E Patrick Ole Ntutu who assured government support in protecting water catchment areas.
Eng Festus K Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, stated that the Ministry of Environment will engage with all stakeholders to produce a Management Plan for both Enkongu Enkare and Motorok Spring.
The KFS Chairman Mr. Job Chirchir, NEMA Chairman Mr. Eric Mungai, area Member of Parliament Hon. Sylvester Kitilai, and County Commissioner Mr. Isaac Masinde were also present at the colorful occasion.
