Environment and Climate Change

The State Department for Environment and Climate Change, participated in Africa Public Service Day 2026, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.

The two-day event themed “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063” organized by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to showcase innovative public service solutions, share achievements, and highlight the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development.

At the exhibition, the State Department had an opportunity to showcase its role in advancing environmental conservation through the ongoing Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), a key initiative supporting Kenya’s ambitious target of growing trees by 2032 while strengthening community livelihoods and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

During the event, the team engaged members of the public on the Ministry’s core mandate and the measures being undertaken to promote a clean, safe, and community-driven environment. The team also sensitized on the key components of the MFC-ICLIP project, including sustainable landscape management, the circular economy, community livelihood improvement, environmental education, and research.

The exhibition also served as a platform to share information about the 2nd Edition of the Mau Conservation Marathon, scheduled to take place on 3rd July 2026 which continues to rally support for environmental conservation and restoration efforts.

Speaking during the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, underscored the importance of strong and efficient public institutions in driving Kenya’s development agenda. He called for a shift towards performance-based promotions, noting that productivity, merit, and accountability should form the foundation of career progression within the public service.

His remarks come amid renewed government efforts to reform the public sector and improve efficiency in service delivery. The CS noted that he has received numerous concerns from public servants who have remained in the same job groups for years, highlighting the need for a fair and transparent promotion system. “I have personally received many calls and direct messages from public servants who have remained in one job group for years and felt overwhelmed by the conditions,” said Hon. Ruku.

He urged the Public Service Commission of Kenya and the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development to work closely in addressing human resource challenges and ensuring that deserving officers are recognized and rewarded based on performance.

As the event concluded today, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public engagement, advancing environmental stewardship, and fostering partnerships that support sustainable development. Through initiatives such as MFC ICLIP and the Mau Conservation Marathon, the Ministry continues to champion practical solutions that safeguard the environment while improving the well-being of communities across the country.

Today, the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng Festus Ngeno, MIEK, CBS visited Marindas Forest Block to assess the preparedness for the upcoming visit by the First Lady. During the visit, he toured the TELIS (Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Skills) initiative in Gacharage Block, where community members have benefited from the programme through access to forest land for restoration and sustainable livelihoods.

The PS, however, expressed concern over reports of continued illegal forest burning and cases where some beneficiaries have leased out the allocated land in violation of the programme's terms. He issued a stern warning that those found engaging in such activities will face legal action, emphasizing that the conservation of the Mau Forest is a shared responsibility that must be upheld.

The inspection tour also included Baringo Primary School, where the PS reviewed the progress of preparations ahead of the commissioning of the Mama's Kitchen Garden and Biogas Unit by the First Lady.

He commended the progress made and urged all teams to ensure everything is ready for the successful launch of these transformative initiatives that will enhance environmental conservation, clean energy use, and food security in schools.

Speaking during the Our Ocean Conference side event on "Accelerating and Scaling Coastal Community Led Adaptation in the West Indian Ocean," the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Eng. Festus K Nge'no emphasized that the West Indian Ocean remains at the forefront of the climate crisis, with coastal communities bearing the greatest impacts.

He called for a shift from dialogue to delivery by scaling up investments in community-led adaptation, strengthening mangrove restoration and sustainable fisheries, moving away from top-down approaches, and empowering local communities to lead climate action. He further underscored the need to build on the current momentum through increased financing, stronger partnerships, and sustained dialogue to deliver lasting solutions for both people and nature.

Driving Nature-Positive Investments for Africa’s Blue Economy

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, this evening joined other leaders at the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) Dinner held alongside the 11th Our Ocean Conference. The PS welcomed delegates to the historic conference the first ever Our Ocean Conference to be hosted on African soil and emphasized Africa’s growing leadership in advancing sustainable ocean action through partnerships, innovation and investment.

In his remarks, Dr. Ng’eno highlighted Kenya’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable blue economy anchored on healthy ecosystems. He noted that Kenya’s mangroves, seagrass meadows and other blue carbon ecosystems play a critical role in climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation and coastal livelihoods, while also presenting significant opportunities for climate finance and sustainable investment. PS further underscored Kenya’s efforts to advance nature-based solutions and integrate blue carbon into national climate and development priorities.

Dr. Ng’eno also showcased Kenya’s pioneering Blue-Green Bond Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, which aims to mobilize over USD 300 million for green port infrastructure, wastewater management, coastal resilience and ecosystem restoration. He called on financial institutions, investors and development partners to deepen collaboration in unlocking investments that support both economic growth and environmental sustainability, affirming that protecting nature and growing economies are mutually reinforcing goals for Africa’s future.

The Blue Economy remains at the heart of Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), driving sustainable economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods.

During the 11th Our Ocean Conference, the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng Festus K Nge'no participated in the Africa Ministerial Side Event: Africa's Frontier, Strengthening Ocean Governance for Africa's Blue Economy for People and Nature, where discussions focused on modernizing the fisheries sector, implementing the National Blue Economy Strategy, addressing the challenges facing the blue economy, and strengthening maritime through Usalama Baharini initiative.

Kenya remains committed to sustainable ocean governance that protects our marine resources while unlocking opportunities for present and future generations.

H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, today presided over the Global Observance of World Desertification and Drought Day 2026, marking a historic milestone as Kenya became the first country to host this global event.

Held under the theme "Rangelands; Recognize. Respect. Restore",.The event highlighted the importance of restoring rangelands, a critical ecosystems that support pastoral livelihoods, wildlife, biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.

Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to restoring degraded rangelands through sustainable land management.

In a significant milestone, the Government awarded KSh 54,110,962 in Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation to affected families, reaffirming its commitment to supporting communities living alongside wildlife while promoting peaceful coexistence.

As the world marked World Desertification and Drought Day, Kenya demonstrated its leadership in advancing land restoration and sustainable environmental management for present and future generations.

The Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus K Nge'no joined Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, alongside distinguished guests including Ida Betty Odinga, Inger Andersen, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP, and Yasmine Fouad, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UNCCD and top Kilifi County leadership to commemorate this global event.