National Assembly to push for more funding to protect gazetted forests

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula speaking at the 48th graduation ceremony of the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County/HANDOUT

The National Assembly will advocate for increased funding to the Ministry of Environment to support the fencing and protection of gazetted forests across the country, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced.

Speaking at the 48th graduation ceremony of the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, Wetang’ula said the move is essential to curb rampant forest destruction and encroachment, which threaten the government’s plan to plant 15 billion trees under President William Ruto’s directive.

“The National Assembly will push for enhanced budget allocation to the ministry to fund the fencing of gazetted forests as part of efforts to realise the President’s target,” he said.

He added that fencing would allow Kenya Forest Service (KFS) personnel to better safeguard critical water catchment areas.

Wetang’ula urged county governments to partner with KFS in training forest extension officers, saying cooperation between national and county governments is vital for sustainable conservation.

While condoling with the families affected by recent landslides, the Speaker called on the Ministry of Environment to map disaster-prone areas and prioritise tree planting as a long-term mitigation measure.

Wetang’ula urged graduating forestry students to take the lead in restoring degraded ecosystems, describing forests as the lungs of our nation and essential to Kenya’s survival.

He praised the Kenya Forestry College as a centre of technical excellence and environmental leadership.

He emphasised that forestry training goes beyond technical knowledge and is critical in addressing the existential threats posed by climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Parliament, he said, remains committed to enacting laws that protect water towers, empower communities and promote climate-smart practices nationwide.

The Speaker also commended the government for prioritising forest and landscape restoration through the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative and praised the college for aligning its programmes with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

He said its expanded technical and vocational training courses are crucial in creating green jobs and supporting a circular economy.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa challenged institutions to increase tree planting efforts to contribute to the national target.

She said a team from the ministry has been deployed to support relocation efforts in Elgeyo Marakwet following deadly landslides.

“We will work with counties to raise awareness among residents in high-risk areas to encourage them to move to safer locations,” she said.

Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai said the county is enhancing environmental conservation under programmes funded by the national government and development partners.