Climate change is among 5 major security threats facing Kenya – CS Kindiki
The government has listed climate change as one of the five major security threats facing Kenya.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki says the other four national security threats are terrorism, banditry and livestock rustling, trade, use and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and cultural, religious and political extremism.
"We consider and have defined climate change as one of the Five (5) major security threats facing our Country today," Kindiki said.
"The perennial friction pitting farmers against pastoralists, often resulting in loss of lives, injury, and destruction of property, is a consequence of scramble for limited resources due to climate change."
The CS made the remarks after presiding over the national tree-planting initiative in Garissa County.
Reverse climate change effects
He called on members of the public to take advantage of the government's goal of planting 15 billion trees in the next 10 years to reverse the adverse effects of climate change.
"We have an individual and collective patriotic duty to conserve the environment and reverse the situation by planting and growing trees," he added.
"Tree planting and growing will be a National culture in the Country and all National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) are directed to spearhead it in their respective jurisdictions to save our Country from the ravages of climate change, including droughts and floods."
The CS revealed that more than 300,000 tree seedlings will be planted in the North Eastern Region, with a target of 100,000 tree seedlings in each of the three counties; Garissa, Mandera and Wajir.
"Each of the 441 Chiefs in the Region will coordinate the planting and growing of at least 680 trees in their Locations," Kindiki remarked.
Earlier, President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua presided over a similar tree planting exercise at Ikua Wetland in Makueni County.
During the event, the Head of State emphasized the crucial role of natural resources, particularly forests, in maintaining ecosystem balance, enhancing biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods of people.
"Conservation of the environment is the urgent and collective responsibility of our time," the President said.
Bold move
On his part, DP Gachagua lauded President Ruto for the initiative, terming it a bold move.
"Congratulations, President Ruto, for leading Kenya on the bold move to grow 15 billion trees for our Nation by the year 2032!" Gachagua stated.
"This is a step to a greater Kenya, to the best World we all live in and love, to give to our future generation safely. We have begun the journey, and we shall get there through our strategic decisions."
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration last week gazetted Monday as a special holiday to allow Kenyans to plant at least 100 million trees.
