News05 June 2026 - 19:53

[PHOTOS] Barasa leads World Environment Day celebrations at Olkalou Arboretum

“World Environment Day 2026 is a reminder that safeguarding our planet is a shared responsibility."

by PRECIOUS AGESA

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Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and climate action as the country joined the rest of the world in marking World Environment Day 2026.

Speaking during national celebrations at Olkalou Arboretum in Nyandarua County, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Barasa said the occasion serves as a reminder that protecting the planet requires collective effort and sustained action.

“World Environment Day 2026 is a reminder that safeguarding our planet is a shared responsibility that demands urgent and sustained action,” Barasa said.

The event was held within the Aberdare ecosystem, an ecologically significant area that serves as a critical water tower and biodiversity hotspot.

According to the ministry, the celebrations highlighted the importance of conserving natural resources as a foundation for food security, water security and sustainable development.

World Environment Day is observed in more than 150 countries and remains the United Nations’ leading platform for promoting environmental awareness and mobilising action to protect the planet.

This year’s global observance is being hosted by Azerbaijan in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme. The focus is on addressing what Barasa described as the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The ministry noted that these interconnected challenges continue to threaten ecosystems, livelihoods and economies across the world.

In Kenya, the effects are increasingly visible through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and environmental degradation.

Barasa said Kenya is advancing climate action through strengthened policy frameworks, expanded renewable energy use, promotion of climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem restoration programmes.

She highlighted the government’s 15 Billion Trees initiative as one of the key interventions aimed at enhancing resilience, creating green jobs and reinforcing Kenya’s position in global climate action.

“As we mark this important day, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and restore our environment,” she said.

Barasa urged Kenyans to play their part through tree growing and the adoption of sustainable practices, adding that the country remains committed to building a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Kenya for generations to come.