Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry

This year’s #WorldEnvironmentDay we join the global community in championing the theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” Nature remains our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. By restoring ecosystems, protecting forests, conserving biodiversity and embracing sustainable practices, we can secure a healthier, greener and more resilient future for generations to come. #WorldEnvironmentDay2026 #GenerationRestoration #ClimateAction #InspiredByNature

Happy Sunday! As we prepare for the Mau Conservation Marathon, let this be a reminder that every small step matters in life, in fitness and in protecting our environment. The journey toward a greener future begins with individual action, collective commitment and the courage to keep moving forward even when the path gets tough. This Sunday, choose purpose. Choose wellness. Choose conservation. See you on 3rd July as we run together for the protection of the and a more sustainable future for generations to come. #SundayMotivation #MauConservationMarathon #RunForNature #ClimateAction #ProtectOurForests

Kenya continues to take bold and decisive action to safeguard its natural heritage and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. Today’s milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to restoring ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience through collective effort. I today joined H.E. the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, alongside my colleague Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, E.G.H., Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, accompanied by Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment and Climate Change, and Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary, State Department for Forestry, in commemorating the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 and launching the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme , CHERISH, held in Elgeyo Marakwet County. @WilliamsRuto @_KithureKindiki @HonWetangula @kipmurkomen @EnviClimateC_Ke @Environment_Ke @Forestry__Kenya @KeForestService @NemaKenya @NETFUNDkenya #CHERISH #15BILLIONTREES #15BILLIONBY2032 @Trans_Nzoia @pokotmagharibi @ElgeyoMarakwetC @UGC_TheChampion @UN #REFORESTRATION #planttrees

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟎-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 The conservation of Kenya’s forests has received a major boost following the launch of the 10-year Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) Programme at Kapyego Ward in Tebe Grounds,Kapyego Elgeyo Marakwet. The initiative was unveiled during a colourful ceremony graced by , marking a significant milestone in efforts to restore and sustainably manage the Cherangany Hills ecosystem for improved livelihoods and long-term environmental resilience. Speaking at the event, the Deputy President said the the Constitution had put emphasis on the protection of the environment as a right for the people noting the country cannot progress without a sustainably conserved environment. He congratulated the Patron of Cherish for establishing the programme that he said will be a game changer in the restoration of the country's forest ecosystems. The Patron of CHERISH and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Government Hon. Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen said the programme will involve the community in all its activities noting that their empowerment will be a success factor for the project. Mr. Murkomen added that the programme will incorporate other activities including peace building initiatives as well as sports development programmes. On her part, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Barasa while noting that the launch coincided with the marking of the International Day of Biodiversity, thanked Hon. Murkomen for the programme which she said will help to restore the great biodiversity of one of the biggest forest ecosystems in the country. She said the government was committed to restoring the biodiversity of the country in order to guarantee development through sustainable conservation of forests which are the anchors of Kenya's key economic sectors including forestry, wildlife, agriculture and energy among others. PS Dr. Ng'eno said the success of programmes such as CHERISH depends on strong community participation, community ownership and sustained partnerships among government, development partners, civil society and the private sector. "Environmental conservation can only succeed when local communities are placed at the centre of action and empowered as custodians of our natural heritage". PS Gitonga Mugambi said that under the government’s 15 billion trees initiative, Kenya has so far planted 1.7 billion trees within four years, in a concerted effort aimed at increasing national tree cover to 30% by 2032, driven by a community-centred approach. The 10 year programme covers the four counties of Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin-Ngishu, West Pokot and Trans-Nzoia and an area of over 30,000 ha. The key activities will include restoration of degraded areas and improvements of community livelihoods as well as promotion of peace initiatives. It was noted that the degradation of the ecosystem had caused much havoc including the loss of lives and property through landslides. Also present during the event Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Dr. Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs), Harry Kimtai (Mining), Mr. Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), development partners and communities. #BiodiversityDay2026 #ActLocallyImpactGlobally #CHERISHProgramme facebook.com/share/p/1Citxd…

Today, we joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact” at Tebe Grounds, Kapyego in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The event was presided over by His Excellency the Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and hosted by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen alongside CS Environment Deborah Barasa, with the participation of fellow Principal Secretaries including Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Dr. Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs), Harry Kimtai (Mining), Mr. Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Belio Kipsang (Immigration) development partners and communities. A key highlight of the day was the launch of the CHERISH Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at restoring and conserving the Cherangany Hills ecosystem, one of Kenya’s most important water towers and biodiversity landscapes. This marks a major milestone in the restoration and protection of the Cherangany Hills ecosystem, one of Kenya’s critical water towers and biodiversity hotspots. Through forest adoption and ecosystem restoration initiatives, we are strengthening climate resilience, conserving biodiversity and securing livelihoods for communities that depend on these ecosystems. The success of programmes such as CHERISH depends on strong community participation, community ownership and sustained partnerships among government, development partners, civil society and the private sector. Environmental conservation can only succeed when local communities are placed at the centre of action and empowered as custodians of our natural heritage. Happy Biodiversity Day! #BiodiversityDay #ActLocallyImpactGlobally #CHERISHProgramme

On this International Day for Biological Diversity, we are reminded that humanity’s future is inseparable from the health of our ecosystems. Biodiversity is the foundation of life, sustaining our food systems, water resources, climate resilience and livelihoods. As we mark this important day, let us renew our collective commitment to conserving nature, restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices that safeguard our rich biological heritage for present and future generations. Kenya remains steadfast in advancing partnerships and innovative solutions that protect biodiversity while fostering sustainable development for our people and the planet. Today, we will be at Tebe Grounds, Kapyego in Elgeyo Marakwet for the launch of the CHERISH Programme, presided over by Deputy President @_KithureKindiki reaffirming our commitment to conservation, community resilience and sustainable environmental stewardship. Together, let us act boldly for #BiodiversityDay2026 #ActLocallyImpactGlobally #CHERISHProgramme

This morning, I joined hundreds of athletes, conservation champions, and members of the local community in the 10KM Cherangany Hills Peace and Conservation Run at Tebe Grounds, Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet County, ahead of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026. The run is more than a sporting event; it is a powerful call to protect our ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen the link between environmental conservation and peaceful coexistence. The event also served as a precursor to the official launch of the CHERISH Programme, under the patronage of Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, which will coincide with the commemoration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026. As we mark this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” we are reminded that every local action towards restoring forests, conserving water towers, protecting wildlife habitats, and promoting sustainable livelihoods contributes to the global fight against biodiversity loss. #CheranganyRace2026 #RunForConservation .#RunForCherangany #BiodiversityDay2026

Congratulations to Mathew Rutto for emerging victorious in the inaugural men’s 10KM Cherangany Hills Peace and Conservation Race held at Tebe Grounds, Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet County, and taking home the KES 100,000 grand prize. Equally, congratulations to Catherine Lelin for winning the first women’s 10KM Cherangany Hills Peace and Conservation Race and earning the KES 100,000 award after an impressive performance. Your victories reflect determination, endurance, and the unifying power of sport in championing peace, conservation, and climate action. The race has not only showcased athletic excellence but also amplified the urgent call to protect the Cherangany ecosystem, one of Kenya’s critical water towers and biodiversity treasures. Congratulations to all participants who turned every step into a statement for environmental conservation and a sustainable future. #CheranganyRace2026 #RunForCherangany #RunForConservation #CHERISHCherangany #WorldBiodiversityDay

Happening Now: Cherangany Hills Peace and Conservation Run in Tebe Grounds, Kapyego in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary @Eng_F_Ngeno is participating in the 10km Run #RunForConservation #RunForCherangany Follow the event Live 👇👇 facebook.com/share/v/1CZAf3…

From the Hills of Cherangany rises a race for peace, conservation, and the future of our planet. Tomorrow 21st May 2026 champions, leaders and communities converge at Tebe Grounds, Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet County not just to run 10KM, 5KM and 2KM but to stand for biodiversity, climate action and harmony with nature. Hosted by @InteriorKE Cabinet Secretary @kipmurkomen graced by H.E. Dr. @IdaOdinga, and inspired by world record holder @Kipyegon_Faith, this is where purpose meets endurance. #CheranganyRace2026 #RunForConservation #BiodiversityDay2026 #ClimateAction #PeaceAndConservation #CHERISH

At the invitation of Dr. @IdaOdinga, Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the @UNEP, I called on the Ambassador for discussions on strengthening collaboration in advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate agenda. We discussed national and global climate priorities, Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming SB64 negotiations under the UNFCCC process, and ongoing environmental restoration initiatives, including the Nairobi River Rehabilitation and the RMMAP Programme for the restoration of the Lake Victoria Basin across 18 counties. I reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to supporting the President’s climate agenda in his capacity as Climate Change Champion and Chair of CAHOSCC, while emphasizing the importance of sustained partnerships in building climate resilience. I was accompanied by @NemaKenya DG Mamo Mamo, @NETFUNDkenya CEO, Samson Toniok, Vicky Betty, Director Programs, and Ms. Linah Meeme, Head of Legal.

I will be joining fellow conservation champions in the 10KM Cherangany Hills Peace and Conservation Race at Tebe Grounds, Kapyego, in Elgeyo Marakwet County on 21st May 2026. The race is a precursor to the official launch of the CHERISH Programme under the patronage of @InteriorKE CS @kipmurkomen and the commemoration of the International Day for Biodiversity 2026. Together, we run to champion peace, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods within the Cherangany Hills landscape. #RunForConservation #RunForCherangany #CHERISH #BiodiversityDay

Congratulations Arsenal on winning the Premier League title. This remarkable achievement reflects resilience, discipline, consistency, and exceptional teamwork throughout the season. The club’s success has inspired millions of supporters across the world, including the many passionate Arsenal fans in Kenya. Congratulations to the players, technical bench, management, and the entire Arsenal family on a well-deserved victory. #PremierLeague #COYG #NorthLondonIsRed

Today, I appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, chaired by Mwala MP, Hon. Eng. Vincent Musyoka, to deliberate on the FY 2026/27 Budget Estimates for the State Department for Environment and Climate Change. Modernization of meteorological services remains fundamental in enhancing weather forecasting accuracy, strengthening early warning systems, and improving climate information services across the country in support of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. There is an urgent need for additional support towards the recruitment of technical personnel to address existing capacity gaps within the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in order to strengthen service delivery, regulatory oversight, and enforcement operations. I noted that staffing challenges at KMSA are largely attributable to an ageing workforce and the ongoing transition of the institution from the Kenya Meteorological Department into a State Agency and Government Authority (SAGA). Further, the State Department will continue working closely with the Ministry of Transport to support the operational sustainability of KMSA, while advancing implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan III geared towards strengthening climate resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting green jobs and sustainable livelihoods. On carbon markets, I informed the Committee that the Designated National Authority under NEMA is overseeing the transition of project proponents from voluntary carbon market arrangements into more structured, transparent, and compliant frameworks aligned with national and international standards. The State Department is working closely with The National Treasury and Economic Planning to facilitate the settlement of pending bills under the First Charge principle, while safeguarding continuity in the implementation of critical environmental and climate programmes.

𝗡𝗴’𝗲𝗻𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno today appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining for deliberations on the FY 2026/27 Budget Estimates, where he outlined the Ministry’s priorities geared towards strengthening environmental governance, climate action, and sustainable development. The session, chaired by Mwala Member of Parliament Hon. Eng. Vincent Musyoka, brought together senior officials from the State Department for Environment and Climate Change and its agencies to discuss the Ministry’s plans, programmes, and policy priorities for the upcoming financial year. The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Mamo B. Mamo of National Environment Management Authority, Samson Toniok of National Environment Trust Fund, Selly Kimosop, Mwongo Chimwaga, among other senior officials. In his presentation, Dr. Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno emphasized the Ministry’s focus on enhancing sustainable waste management systems, promoting circular economy approaches, strengthening climate adaptation and mitigation measures, and improving weather and climate information services to support early warning systems. The Principal Secretary further noted that the Ministry is prioritizing implementation of programmes aligned with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in areas such as green growth, youth employment through green enterprises, restoration of ecosystems, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee was also briefed on the implementation status of ongoing programmes and projects under the State Department, including efforts to strengthen environmental governance, modernize meteorological services, and expand partnerships aimed at supporting climate action and sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Ng’eno pointed out that inadequate funding, pending bills, legal disputes, and staffing shortages continue to affect effective implementation of environmental programmes and projects. He called for continued support from Parliament to enhance resource allocation to the sector in order to accelerate implementation of key environmental and climate change interventions across the country. Members of the Committee reaffirmed the importance of environmental protection and climate action in supporting sustainable development, livelihoods, and economic transformation.

@EnviClimateC_Ke Principal Secretary and Patron of the @MauForest_iclip, @Eng_F_Ngeno, today held virtual discussions with a team from @somo_org led by CEO Catherine Masolia on potential areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening environmental conservation and community livelihoods. The discussions focused on enhancing environmental education in schools through the Tengeneza Masomo Hub, establishment of solar-powered processing facilities for milk, avocado, pyrethrum, and sunflower value chains, as well as facilitating access to credit for farmers to expand and improve their businesses. Speaking during the meeting, @Eng_F_Ngeno noted that Somo Africa’s vision aligns with that of MFC-ICLIP, which seeks to create 100,000 green jobs within the SME sector across various value chains linked to conservation and sustainable livelihoods. The two institutions also agreed to explore the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize collaboration and leverage existing government-run centres that currently have limited capacity to effectively impact community livelihoods. The meeting was attended by Vicky Betty, Director of Programme, Projects and Strategic Initiatives; Chrispine Omondi and Boniface Magara from ; as well as Ali Bakari and Frankline Gitau from @somo_org. Somo Africa is a non-profit business accelerator operating in low-income and marginalized communities across East Africa, supporting enterprises and initiatives that drive sustainable socio-economic transformation. #LindaMauBoreshaMaisha #MFC_ICLIP #CommunityLivelihoods #ValueChains

On 22 May, we mark the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” highlighting the critical importance of conserving and restoring our biodiversity. This year’s National Celebrations will take place in Elgeyo Marakwet County and will coincide with the official launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) programme under the patronage of @kipmurkomen, Cabinet Secretary for @InteriorKE. #BiodiversityDay #LocallyLedAction

From Parliament to the tracks, Hon. Joseph Tonui is taking a bold step for environmental conservation. The MP for Kuresoi South will be part of the 2nd Edition of the #MauConservationMarathon, a race dedicated to restoring and protecting the Mau Forest Complex one of Kenya’s most important water towers. This is more than a marathon; it is a movement for climate resilience, sustainable ecosystems, and a greener tomorrow. 📅 3rd July 2026 🌱 Run for Mau. Run for Life. #MauConservationMarathon #LindaMauBoreshaMaisha #ClimateAction #RunForMau #RunForConservation

Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system. We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own - indeed, to embrace the whole of creation in all its diversity, beauty and wonder - Prof. Wangari Maathai #SundayMotivation #WangariMaathai #LindaMauBoreshaMaisha #MauConservationMarathon #SundayQuote #trendingsnow

Kenya continues to demonstrate strong leadership in advancing global forest conservation and climate action through strategic engagement in multilateral processes. Our participation at UNFF21 reaffirmed this commitment and strengthened our partnerships for transformative environmental outcomes. I led the Kenyan delegation, accompanied by Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Forestry, to the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF21) held from 11–15 May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. As a founding member of the UNFF since 2000, Kenya actively participated in the session to advance our national forest agenda and strengthen global partnerships. During the forum, I outlined that Kenya’s has put in place a bold new Voluntary National Contribution aimed at restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes and growing 15 billion trees by 2032. This builds on our current progress, including 8.83% forest cover and 12.13% tree cover nationally. I highlighted Kenya’s whole-of-government approach to sustainable forest management, strengthened South–South cooperation with African nations, and strategic partnerships with institutions such as FAO, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and IUFRO including Kenya’s successful bid to host the 27th IUFRO World Congress in Nairobi in 2029. Key engagement included the need for predictable financing through the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network and enhanced support for the UNFF Trust Fund and showcasing Kenya’s digital innovations, including the Jaza Miti App and satellite-based Forest Alert systems for real-time monitoring. Kenya’s approach remains firmly aligned with the Paris Agreement where we pioneered the world’s first REDD+ Registry the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and land degradation neutrality targets, reinforcing our leadership in sustainable forest management and climate action. @WilliamsRuto @MusaliaMudavadi @Environment_Ke @Forestry__Kenya @UN #jazamiti #globalforestgoals #ForestConservation #ClimateAction #SDGs #ActNow #unff21 @EnviClimateC_Ke