President William Ruto has asked forest rangers to champion the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme and lead the country in the realisation of its ambitious plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 11, during the pass-out parade of forest rangers in Gilgil, Nakuru County, mentioned that the nation’s development agenda relies on its climate action initiative to mitigate climate change.
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“Our lives and livelihoods depend on the protection and sustenance of our biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change,” the Head of State said.
The President noted that the Government had invested in technology to improve operational capabilities in surveillance, data collection, and evidence-based forestry management.
Ruto said the Government has enhanced the capabilities of forest rangers to protect the country’s forests citing the revamping of rangers’ training and the upgrading of their equipment to align with the demands of their roles.
The goal, he explained, is to curb illegal logging, charcoal burning, and other forms of interference with the integrity of forests.
“Our increased vulnerability to extreme weather and climate change is the consequence of negligent and dangerous human activity, such as the wanton destruction of forests,” he said.
He noted that Kenya is a strong champion of climate action with a track-record of Pan-African and global leadership and participation in such frameworks, programmes and initiatives that have shaped global climate action.
Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Governors Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), MPs led by the host Martha Wangari, MCAs and other leaders were present.
