• The Prime CS highlighted the gravity of the situation in Kenya, underscoring the need for immediate and coordinated action.
• Mudavadi underscored the need for collective efforts to find viable solutions amidst escalating challenges stemming from deforestation, pollution and climate change.
Image: MUSALIA MUDAVADI/TWITTER
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to stand united against the threat of climate change in light of its potential to disrupt ecosystems, intensify extreme weather events and destabilise socio-economic conditions.
Speaking on Monday, the Prime CS urged Kenyans to advocate for the adoption of mitigating measures that emphasise safeguarding the environment, securing livelihoods and ensuring prosperity for future generations.
"We have all witnessed the viciousness with which climate change has unleashed various calamities on humanity. We are all affected by the effects of droughts, flooding, unpredictable rainfall patterns thus hampering the provision of water and basic sanitation by the utilities,” he said.
Mudavadi was speaking when he officially opened the 12th Water Companies Sports Association (WASCO) games at Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok county themed 'Combating Climate Change Crisis through Sports.'
The occasion was also graced by Water CS Alice Wahome and Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu.
The Prime CS highlighted the gravity of the situation in Kenya, underscoring the need for immediate and coordinated action.
"Urgent measures are imperative to combat this global crisis," he said while pointing out the wide-reaching societal, economic, and environmental repercussions that demand immediate attention.
Mudavadi underscored the need for collective efforts to find viable solutions amidst escalating challenges stemming from deforestation, pollution and climate change, not only in Kenya but across the globe.
While stating that Kenya faces water scarcity and disruptions to water and sanitation services due to droughts and floods, the Prime CS commended Water Companies Sports Organization's (WASCO) tree planting initiative, which unites all water companies in Kenya in an effort to plant 1 million trees within the next five years.
Mudavadi said the initiative launched on April 7, 2023, in Narok County is a commitment that aligns with the government's ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees within a decade.
The Prime CS appreciated the pivotal role that forests and trees play in regulating temperatures, conserving biodiversity and aiding climate change mitigation.
Mudavadi connected these efforts with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation, adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015, which seeks to ensure sustainable water and sanitation management for all.
He rallied for coordinated action to address water-related climate change challenges and called on all stakeholders, including county governments, to prioritise climate action and environmental conservation as integral components of Kenya's socio-economic transformation.
Within the context of the WASCO Games, Mudavadi praised the collaborative initiatives of water companies to enhance water and sanitation services, urging county governments to ensure the professional management of water companies, advocating for transparency and strong corporate governance to minimise non-revenue water.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the government to ensure universal access to water, a fundamental constitutional right that extends to every citizen of Kenya without exception.
Mudavadi further underscored the event's importance in fostering employee well-being, raising environmental awareness and uniting collective endeavours to address climate change through sports.
He underlined the essential link between employee wellness with the triumph of organizations, emphasising that maintaining a robust workforce is of utmost significance in any workplace setting.
Mudavadi further commended WASCO's initiative in providing a platform for water and sanitation sector employees to showcase their sporting talents while fostering learning and unity.
He emphasised the role of sports in promoting cohesion and team spirit, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of the WASCO games.
The Prime CS lauded the event's unique blending of sports, environmental conservation and climate change action saying the games have seamlessly united these elements into a cohesive endeavour.
"Maintaining a robust workforce is of utmost significance in any workplace setting," Mudavadi said.
This synthesis, he said, has set a notable precedent, symbolising unity and a shared dedication to safeguarding Kenya's water resources and environment for both present and future generations.