National Environment Management Authority chairman Emilio Mugo has revealed that 80 per cent of Kenya is classified as arid and semi-arid with more than 70 per cent of land being degraded.
Speaking during the World Environment Day Panel Discussion at the University of Nairobi on Thursday, Mugo said that Kenya plans to restore 5.1 million hectares by 2030 under the Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) programme.
The theme for this year's celebration is "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience."
He said the 15 billion tree-growing campaign aims at halting the spread of desertification in the country.
Mugo noted that in the last few years, most parts of the world have seen enhanced droughts.
"These combined factors cost the country Sh3.4 billion per year," he said.
He added that in the last year, Kenya has seen enhanced rainfall that has cost Kenya more than Sh800 million.
"The last few years have witnessed enhanced droughts and this has been exacerbated by the recent enhanced rainfall and floods indicating to climate change," he said.
"Deserts have spread into formerly arable lands leading to degradation resulting in reduced productivity," Nema Director General, Mamo Boru said.
"World Environment Day gives us a moment to halt momentarily and reflect on the progress we have made towards environmental sustainability as a country," Levis Kavagi, UNEP Country Representative said.
"Building resilience is the surest way to restore our lands and halt desertification."
