The government has rolled out a national climate change response strategy to mitigate the effects of the global warming, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry, Keriako Tobiko has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Chairman of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Board of Directors John Konchellah during the inauguration of the NEMA green point in Siaya town Tuesday, Tobiko said that the implementation of the strategy would be done by both the government and private sector players.
He urged the county governments to join in the partnership and play their roles in helping to mitigate the effects of the climate change.
“As the county integrated development plans are developed and implemented, it is prudent that environmental aspects are given due regard,” said the CS who hailed the county governments for enacting climate change laws which would enable the devolved units to undertake their climate change obligations.
Tobiko said his ministry was open to engagement with county governments on issues pertaining to environmental management across the country for the benefit of Kenyans.
On the green point’s concept, the CS said that they were conceptualised in order to practically interpret the green economy concept within the Kenyan concept.
“The green points are intended to improve and expand the advisory role of NEMA in the counties especially on issues related to the promotion of sound environmental management that can support the green economy in conjunction with the private sector,” he said.
Siaya Deputy Governor Dr James Okumbe pointed out that the climate change mitigation policy framework has been rolled out in the county which has legalized the operation.
“We are ahead of many counties. We have already adopted the policies that will enable us mitigate climate change in Siaya. We shall also ensure that we increase the forest cover through planting as many trees as possible,” noted Dr Okumbe.
By Philip Onyango
