Barasa leads tree planting in first assignment as Environment CS

Immediate former Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa officially commenced her new role Thursday as Environment, Climate and Forestry Minister.

Barasa who was moved to the docket Wednesday in the changes announced by President William Ruto, was in Lelan, West Pokot County for a tree planting exercise.

She takes over from Aden Duale, who was appointed to succeed her in the Ministry.

Speaking during the event, Barasa who was accompanied by various local leaders and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials, thanked the President for the trust placed in her through the new appointment.

This, as she pledged to champion the government’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 describing the initiative as "a bold declaration of hope."

The CS also emphasised the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change.

“Tree planting not only helps in the restoration of degraded lands but also in securing a sustainable future for generations to come,” she stated.

She also urged Kenyans to take a keen interest in not only tree planting but also nurturing them.

“Let us not only plant trees but take good care of them, long-term care is key to environmental conservation,” she said.

Acknowledging the region’s challenges, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, Mulongo called on households, schools, and farmers to take an active role in tree-growing efforts.

The CS further commended local environmental champions for their contributions and pledged government support for grassroots conservation initiatives.

Ruto launched the nationwide tree-planting campaign to raise Kenya's tree cover by 30 per cent on December 21, 2022.

The move is aimed at move is aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation and restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.