Nairobi: Kericho and other parts of Western Kenya are expected to experience above-normal rainfall from September as the country prepares for the anticipated El Niño phenomenon, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Eng. Festus Ng’eno announced. Dr. Ng’eno, who spoke during the 49th Graduation Ceremony at the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, highlighted the latest national climate outlook released by the Kenya Meteorological Service, indicating serious signs of an El Niño event. Enhanced rains are expected to continue through the October-December rainfall season and into January in some areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, Environment PS urged residents to take precautions against possible flooding and landslides by avoiding flooded roads, bridges, and rivers; staying away from areas prone to landslides; and moving to safer ground where necessary. Dr. Ng’eno emphasized that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution remain major challenges facing the country, with
land degradation, degraded forest areas, and poor farming practices contributing to environmental degradation. He further mentioned the Presidential initiative to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 as a critical measure in mitigating the effects of climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, and strengthening environmental resilience.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary, State Department for Forestry, Mr. Mugambi Gitonga, noted that Kericho County currently has a forest cover of 23.2 percent and called for increased tree-growing efforts to enable the county to accelerate progress towards its targets and contribute more to the national 15 billion trees programme. Mr. Gitonga revealed that Kericho has an annual target of planting 16.3 million trees but has only planted 17.1 million trees since the national tree-growing initiative began in 2022. He called for greater effort from all stakeholders to bridge the gap and meet the county’s annual target, helping the country achieve the national 15 billion tree target.
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PS reiterated that the 15 billion trees initiative would contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable energy, livelihoods, tourism, and rural development while strengthening the country’s response to climate change. He urged the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation to support the implementation of the national tree-growing programme.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, highlighted the critical role of trained forestry professionals in forest restoration, tree growing, and environmental protection as Kenya works towards achieving its environmental conservation goals. He encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to promote sustainable forest management, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
A total of 381 graduates, comprising 174 males and 207 females, were awarded certificates following successful completion of their training, with women
accounting for the majority of this year’s graduates. The graduation also highlighted the increasing participation of women in forestry training, with female enrolment and graduation having risen steadily since 2022.
Kipkelion, East Member of Parliament Hon. Joseph Cherorot, Kenya Forestry College Principal Mr. Francis Musyimi, government officials, forestry and environmental stakeholders, college staff, parents, graduates, and other invited guests attended the ceremony.
