Mamo B. Mamo is the Director General (DG) NEMA
By: John Kariuki
80% of Kenya is classified as arid and semi-arid. This has been exacerbated by desertification leading to over 70% of Kenyan land being degraded. These combined factor costs the country 3.4 Billion per year, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Chairman, Emilio Mugo has stated.
Kenya plans to restore 5.1 Million Ha by 2030 under the Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) program. The 15 Billion tree growing campaign by 2032 aims at halting the spread of desertification in the country.
The Chairman added that in the last few years, most parts of the world have seen enhanced droughts. In the last one year, Kenya has seen enhanced rainfall that had costed Kenya over 800 Million. The last few years has witnessed enhanced droughts.
This has exacerbated by the recent enhanced rainfall and floods that indicate to climate change. Deserts have spread into formerly arable lands leading to degradation resulting into reduced productivity, stated NEMA Director General, Mamo B. Mamo represented by the Director Corporate Services, Kennedy Ochuka at the Panel Discussion.
World Environment Day presents a moment to halt momentarily and reflect on the progress we have made towards environmental sustainability as a country, Levis Kavagi, UNEP Country Representative has said.
He added that building resilience is the surest way to restore our lands and halt desertification. Mr. Kavagi was speaking during the World Environment Day Panel Discussion at University of Nairobi on Thursday.
The panel discussion was organized as a buildup towards World Environment Day at the University of Embu, Embu County on 5th June 2024 where various restorative activities will be undertaken. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” Various other buildup activities have been planned including cleanups, football matches, community forums and tree growing among others.
Other Panelists were drawn from Nairobi River Commission, Safaricom, Nature Kenya, National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
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