muhammad swaiban

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND FORESTRY

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

The Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service,@koske_felix , today was joined by his Deputy, Mr. Amos Gathecha, Principal Secretaries @GMugambi_CBS (Forestry), @DrChrisKiptoo (The National Treasury), who is also the Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) and @ololtuaa (Education), in leading the host community and partners in a mass tree-growing exercise at Sabor Forest Station, Elgeyo Marakwet County, where 3,000 tree seedlings were planted.

The exercise forms part of the build-up activities ahead of the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), scheduled for 11th July 2026, which will be presided over by His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.

Also present was the Secretary Forest Development Mr. George Tarus, Secretary for Administration Mr. Patrick Meso, Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and Coordinator of the #15BillionTrees National Secretariat Ms. Susan Boit.

#KaptagatICPAt10 #KICP #JazaMiti #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya #15BillionTrees #15BillionTreesBy2032

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

Forestry Principal Secretary @GMugambi_CBS today accompanied the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration,
@kipmurkomen , during the disbursement of the second tranche of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme at Eldoret Sports Club.

A total of KSh172 million was disbursed to 6,914 beneficiaries from the Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet cluster under the programme's second tranche.

The leaders encouraged the beneficiaries to invest the funds prudently in establishing and expanding businesses, creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the country's economic growth.

The event highlighted the Government's continued commitment to empowering young people through increased access to affordable capital, skills development and economic opportunities, in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The PS reaffirmed the Government's resolve to support youth empowerment initiatives that create employment, promote entrepreneurship, and improve the socio-economic well being of young Kenyans. He also commended the visionary leadership of H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto in ensuring that no young Kenyan is left behind through transformative programmes such as #NYOTA .

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

His Excellency the Deputy President, Prof. @_KithureKindiki, was today joined by Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Deborah M. Barasa (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry) and @kipmurkomen (Interior and National Administration) as he launched the 273-kilometre electric fence around the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem during the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (@Kaptagat_icp) at Penon Forest Station.

The project marks a significant milestone in securing one of Kenya's most critical water towers and demonstrates the Government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country's forest ecosystems.

The electric fence is expected to strengthen the protection of the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem by curbing illegal activities, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and conserving the forest's rich biodiversity and vital water catchment functions.

As a strategic ecosystem, Kaptagat Forest plays a critical role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water resource regulation, and the sustenance of agriculture, energy production and community livelihoods.

During the event, the Deputy President also launched the commercial cultivation of cocoa as part of the Government's agroforestry agenda.The site will serve as Kenya's national demonstration hub for cocoa farming, with an initial 400 cocoa seedlings planted to kick start the initiative. The programme is expected to increase tree cover while creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers, contributing to the realization of the #15BillionTrees Growing Programme and Kenya's target of attaining 30 percent tree cover by 2032.

Also in attendance were Principal Secretaries @GMugambi_CBS (Forestry), @DrChrisKiptoo (National Treasury) and the Patron of KICP, @Eng_F_Ngeno (Environment and Climate Change), @ololtuaa (Basic Education), Mr Elijah Mwangi (Sports), @EphantusKim (Irrigation), Dr. Caroline W. Karugu (ASALs and Regional Development), Eng. John Tanui (ICT and the Digital Economy) and Mr. Kello Harsama (Petroleum), alongside senior Government officials, development partners and members of the local community.

#KaptagatICPAt10 #KICP
#15BillionTrees
#15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

Today, I joined the Deputy Head of Public Service, Mr. Amos Gathecha, on an inspection visit to the Kaptumek/Kajulu (Old Bonjoge) Forest Block in Nandi County to assess the progress of ongoing forest restoration efforts under the Government's National Landscape Restoration Programme.

Together with the Deputy Head of Public Service, Aldai Member of Parliament Hon. Marianne Jebet Kitany, Secretary for Forest Development Mr. George Tarus, Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, EarthLungs Chief Executive Officer Mr. Victor Mwanga and other leaders, we reviewed restoration activities being implemented through the partnership between the Government and EarthLungs, which has adopted 1,800 acres of the 2,150-acre forest block.

Since April 2023, EarthLungs has planted 1.97 million trees across the restored areas, making a significant contribution to our national target of increasing Kenya's tree cover to 30 percent by 2032 under the #15BillionTrees Growing Programme.

During the visit, we commissioned the Nyinyira Bridge, a key infrastructure project that will improve access within the restoration landscape and enhance conservation activities.

We also toured the Nyinyira Tree Nursery, one of three operational nurseries in the area alongside Pemja and Kajulu. Collectively, the nurseries currently hold 1.7 million seedlings and have a combined capacity of 2.3 million seedlings, ensuring a reliable supply of quality planting materials to sustain forest restoration efforts across the landscape.

I commend the strong collaboration between the Government, development partners, the private sector and local communities in accelerating forest restoration and strengthening ecosystem resilience. Strategic partnerships such as the one with EarthLungs are critical in restoring degraded forests, protecting our vital water towers, creating green jobs and improving livelihoods.

The Kaptumek/Kajulu Forest Block currently supports restoration activities through a workforce of 198 people, demonstrating that forest conservation not only restores ecosystems but also creates employment opportunities while advancing our national landscape restoration agenda.

#15BillionTrees
#15BillionTreesBy2032
#15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya
#JazaMiti

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

I joined @koske_felix, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, who led in the commissioning of key infrastructure, energy, education and environmental conservation projects in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, underscoring the Government's commitment to accelerating socio-economic transformation through integrated development.

Mr. Koskei was accompanied by the Deputy Head of the Public Service, Mr. Amos Gathecha, Principal Secretaries, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Dr. Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury) , Dr. John Ololtuaa (Basic Education), CPA Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation).

The Chief of Staff commissioned the upgrading of the Chororget Chang'ach Barak Kapteren Road to bitumen standard, a key infrastructure project under Phase II of the Junction A8 Annex Saroiyot Plateau Link Roads Programme. The 25-kilometre road traverses Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties and is expected to significantly improve connectivity, lower transport costs, enhance access to markets and essential services and stimulate economic growth across the region.

He also launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme, through which 104 households will be connected to electricity under the transformer maximisation initiative. In Keiyo South Constituency, 45 projects valued at KSh 286 million are being implemented to benefit 3,285 households, while 83 projects worth KSh 604 million are underway across Elgeyo Marakwet County and are expected to connect 6,059 households. The programme is set to enhance livelihoods, support businesses and unlock new economic opportunities through expanded access to reliable electricity.

During a visit to Chang'ach Barak Junior School, Mr. Koskei encouraged learners to remain committed to their education, describing it as the foundation for future success and national development. He also urged parents and the local community to continue supporting education while calling on residents to embrace and safeguard Government development projects to ensure they deliver lasting benefits.

As part of the ongoing Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), the delegation also presided over the distribution of avocado, cocoa and coffee seedlings to farmers to promote climate smart agriculture, diversify household incomes and strengthen environmental conservation efforts. Mr. Koskei called on residents to protect forests and water catchment areas, noting that healthy ecosystems are critical for sustainable livelihoods, water security and long term climate resilience.

The commissioning of the projects reflects the Government's continued investment in infrastructure, energy access, education and environmental conservation as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable development in Elgeyo Marakwet County and the country at large.

#KICP #KaptagatICPAt10
#KICP #15BillionTrees
#15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

@DrChrisKiptoo
@Eng_F_Ngeno
@Ololtuaa
@EphantusKim

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

Today, I joined His Excellency the Deputy President, Prof. @_KithureKindiki, Cabinet Secretary @DeboraBarasa ,Hon. @kipmurkomen ( Interior and National Administration) and other leaders during the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), where we launched the 273-kilometre electric fence around the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem at Penon Forest Station.

The fence is a major milestone in securing one of Kenya's most important water towers by enhancing forest protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict and safeguarding biodiversity. We also launched the commercial cultivation of cocoa, with 400 seedlings planted to establish Kenya's national demonstration hub for cocoa farming, advancing agroforestry, sustainable livelihoods and the #15BillionTrees Growing Programme.

#KaptagatICPAt10 #KICP #15BillionTrees #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

Today, I received a briefing from the Secretary Forest Development, Mr. George Tarus, Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and KEFRI CEO, Dr. Jane Njuguna, on the preparedness for the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP).

The discussions focused on coordination, stakeholder engagement and restoration activities to ensure the successful delivery of this milestone event scheduled for 11th July 2026.

I reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening partnerships for sustainable forest management and restoring degraded landscapes as we advance Kenya's #15BillionTreesBy2032 initiative.

#KaptagatICPAt10 #KICP #15BillionTreesBy2032 #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

A strong and well regulated forest tree seed system is essential to achieving our national restoration goals and securing a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.

I received a briefing from the Technical Working Group on Forest Tree Seeds Regulation on the progress made in developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the production, testing, certification, distribution, marketing and quality assurance of forest reproductive materials in Kenya.

The proposed framework is designed to strengthen the national forest seed system by establishing harmonized standards that will guarantee the availability, accessibility and use of genetically superior, high quality planting materials to support sustainable forestry development, biodiversity conservation and landscape restoration.

I underscored the strategic importance of a robust forest seed regulatory framework in advancing Kenya's National Tree Growing and Restoration Programme, which aims to grow #15BillionTreesBy2032.

I also emphasized that the availability of certified, quality forest reproductive materials is fundamental to improving plantation productivity, restoring degraded landscapes, conserving forest genetic resources, strengthening climate resilience and enhancing the long term sustainability of Kenya's forestry sector.

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

Forestry Principal Secretary @GMugambi_CBS today received a briefing from the Secretary Forest Development, Mr. George Tarus, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) CEO, Dr. Jane Njuguna, on the preparedness for the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), one of Kenya's flagship forest landscape restoration initiatives.

The briefing reviewed the progress made in planning for the landmark edition of the programme, with discussions focusing on coordination among implementing agencies, stakeholder engagement, restoration activities and measures to ensure the successful execution of the initiative.

The 10th edition, scheduled for 11th July 2026, is expected to build on the programme's legacy of advancing sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration and climate resilience through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The PS reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening partnerships that support the conservation and sustainable management of Kenya's forest resources. He noted that the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme continues to play a vital role in restoring degraded landscapes, conserving biodiversity, enhancing water catchment protection and promoting community participation in environmental stewardship, in line with the Government's development and climate action priorities.

As preparations gather momentum, the State Department for Forestry remains committed to ensuring a successful 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme. The milestone event is expected to bring together national and county governments, conservation agencies, development partners, research institutions, the private sector, local communities and other stakeholders to reaffirm their collective commitment to restoring forest ecosystems and advancing Kenya's ambitious target of growing #15BillionTreesBy2032

#KaptagatICPAt10 #KICP #15BillionTrees #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

The countdown is on! I am proud to join the 2nd Edition of the Mau Conservation Marathon, on 3rd July 2026 in support of restoring and protecting the Mau Forest Kenya's largest water tower and a lifeline for millions.

This is more than a marathon; it is a movement to champion forest conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Every step we take brings us closer to a greener, more resilient Kenya.

Together, we can safeguard our forests for present and future

#LindaMauBoreshaMaisha #MauConservationMarathon #15BillionTreesBy2032
#WajibuWaKilaMkenya
#RunForMau
#mfciclip

@Eng_F_Ngeno
@Forestry__Kenya
@MauForest_iclip

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

Today, I joined Cabinet Secretaries Deborah M. Barasa and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP Ida Odinga, fellow Principal Secretaries and other leaders in welcoming the First Lady, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, to the Marindas Forest Block in the Mau Forest,Kuresoi North, Nakuru County.

The First Lady's adoption of 33 hectares of the forest block marks significant contribution towards our national goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. Her commissioning of a tree nursery that will produce indigenous seedlings annually further strengthens efforts to restore degraded landscapes, conserve biodiversity and protect critical water catchments.

The Marindas restoration initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships, community participation and collective action in advancing sustainable forest management. Together, we remain committed to restoring our forests, enhancing ecosystem resilience and securing a greener future for generations to come.

#15BillionTrees #JazaMiti #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya
#MFCICLIP
#ClimateAction
#MauForest

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

Today, I joined the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, in a tree planting exercise at Chepkiep/Kiptangus Forest in Mosop, Nandi County, reaffirming the Government's commitment to restoring degraded forest ecosystems and advancing Kenya's landscape restoration agenda.

Together with Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, Principal Secretaries Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno (Environment and Climate Change) and Dr. Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, and H.E. Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi County, we demonstrated the importance of a whole-of-government approach in promoting sustainable management of our natural resources.

The exercise marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nandi Integrated Climate Landscape Improvement Project (NaICLIP), a five-year initiative aimed at restoring the Nandi Forest Ecosystem by rehabilitating 9,605 hectares of degraded forest land and planting 10 million tree seedlings across degraded forest blocks.

Held under the theme, "Community Action for Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods," the event underscored the importance of collaboration between government, local communities, development partners, and conservation stakeholders in delivering lasting environmental and socio-economic benefits.

The restoration of the Nandi Forest Ecosystem will protect critical water catchments that feed the Yala, Nzoia, and Nyando rivers, reduce soil erosion, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen Kenya's resilience to climate change. I reaffirm my commitment to working with all stakeholders to achieve our national target of growing ##15BillionTreesBy2032 and securing a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.

#15BillionTreesBy2032 #JazaMiti #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Today, I joined fellow Principal Secretaries Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak (Science, Research and Innovation) and Mr. Patrick Kilemi (Cooperatives) at the 5th Annual International Conference of Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), where we were warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo Otieno.

The conference brought together government leaders, researchers, academia, industry players and development partners to explore innovative solutions for sustainable development and national transformation.

In my remarks, I emphasized the critical role of scientific research and innovation in forest conservation, ecosystem restoration and climate resilience. I noted that evidence-based decision-making remains central to achieving our environmental goals and urged researchers and institutions of higher learning to generate practical solutions that support sustainable forest management and accelerate the implementation of the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign.

The conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building and the advancement of innovative ideas that will contribute to sustainable development and improved livelihoods.

Also present were Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Carol Hunja, CEO of the State Corporations Advisory Committee Mr. Simon Indimuli, Director of Protocol in the Office of the Deputy President Mr. Gideon Kimathi, and other distinguished guests.

#MUSTIC2026 #InnovationForTomorrow #ResearchAndInnovation #MeruUniversity #15BillionTreesWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Deborah M. Barasa (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry) and Ms. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage), alongside Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP, Dr.Ida Odinga, Principal Secretaries Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno,patron MFC-ICLIP (Environment and Climate Change), Dr. Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs) and Mr. Joel Arumonyang (Public Works) today joined other leaders in welcoming the First Lady, Her Excellency Mama Rachel Ruto, to the Marindas forest block, Mau Forest.

The First Lady's participation highlighted the growing national commitment to environmental conservation, ecosystem restoration and climate action. The occasion brought together government officials, conservation partners, community groups and other stakeholders working towards sustainable forest management and landscape restoration.

In a significant boost to Kenya's forest restoration agenda, the First Lady adopted 33 hectares of the Marindas Forest Block for restoration and conservation. The initiative is expected to accelerate the rehabilitation of degraded forest areas while contributing to the Government's ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 under the national tree growing programme.

H.E. Rachel Ruto also commissioned a tree nursery within the forest block that will produce thousands of indigenous seedlings annually. The nursery will provide a reliable source of quality planting materials to support forest regeneration, biodiversity conservation and the restoration of critical water catchment ecosystems in the region.

Speaking during the event, the leaders reaffirmed the Government's commitment to restoring degraded landscapes through strategic partnerships, community participation and sustainable natural resource management. The Marindas Forest restoration initiative is expected to enhance ecosystem resilience, strengthen water security and contribute to Kenya's broader climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals.

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa today joined the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, for a tree planting exercise , reaffirming the Government's commitment to restoring degraded forest ecosystems, at Chepkiep/ Kiptangus Forest in Mosop, Nandi County.

The Chief of Staff was accompanied by Principal Secretaries Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno (Environment and Climate Change), Dr. Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and Governor Nandi County H.E Stephen Sang.

Their participation underscored the importance of awhole of government approach in driving landscape restoration and promoting sustainable management of Kenya's natural resources.

The tree planting exercise marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nandi Integrated Climate Landscape Improvement Project (NaICLIP), a five-year programme aimed at restoring the Nandi Forest Ecosystem. The initiative targets the rehabilitation of 9,605 hectares of degraded forest land across North Nandi and the planting of 10 million tree seedlings in degraded forest blocks.

Organized by the Nandi Integrated Forum for Conservation under the theme "Community Action for Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods," the event highlighted the critical role of partnerships between government, communities, development partners and conservation stakeholders in achieving long term environmental sustainability.

The ongoing restoration of the Nandi ecosystem is expected to safeguard vital water catchment areas that feed the Yala, Nzoia and Nyando rivers, reduce soil erosion and restore habitats for wildlife. Beyond the region, the initiative will strengthen Kenya's resilience to climate change and contribute significantly to the country's broader environmental and sustainable development goals.

#15BillionTreesBy2032 #JazaMiti #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

𝐏𝐒𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The 5th Annual International Conference at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) brought together government leaders, researchers, academia, industry players and development partners to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable development.

The conference featured participation from Principal Secretaries Mr. Gitonga Mugambi ( Forestry), Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak ( Science, Research and Innovation), and Mr. Patrick Kilemi (Cooperatives) who were received by the MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof.Romanus Odhiambo Otieno.

Speaking at the conference, Principal Secretary for Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi highlighted the importance of scientific research in forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. He noted that evidence-based decision making is essential in achieving the country's environmental goals and urged researchers to contribute innovative solutions that support sustainable forest management.

In his virtual remarks, Prof. Abdulrazak emphasized the critical role of research, science, technology, and innovation in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainable economic growth. He called on universities to strengthen collaboration with government, industry and communities to ensure that research findings translate into practical solutions that improve livelihoods and drive national development.

On his part, PS Kilemi underscored the role of cooperatives in driving inclusive economic growth and creating opportunities for communities. He encouraged stronger linkages between academia and the cooperative sector to promote innovation, value addition and entrepreneurship.

The conference provided a platform for sharing research findings, fostering partnerships and exploring innovative approaches to addressing global and local development challenges.

Also present at the conference included Secretary, Higher Education Dr. Carol Hunja, CEO State Corporations Advisory Committee Simon indimuli , Director of Protocol in the Office of the Deputy President Gideon Kimathi among other distinguished guests.

#MUSTIC2026 #InnovationForTomorrow #ResearchAndInnovation #MeruUniversity #15BillionTreesWajibuWaKilaMkenya

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

I today convened a sectoral meeting at @KeForestService Karura Headquarters bringing together Heads of Department and leadership of SAGAs to strengthen coordination, align priorities, and accelerate implementation of key forestry programmes.

This follows the recent high-level public service engagement convened by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. @koske_felix, focused on re-energising service delivery across Government.

Our focus remains on delivering measurable results, improving tree survival, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing livelihoods for forest-dependent communities in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

I urged officers to remain objective, uphold the rule of law, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Strong cohesion and collaboration across SAGAs is key to effective coordination and delivery.

Together, we must stay disciplined and results-driven to achieve our national target of increasing tree cover to 30 percent and deliver on #15BillionTreesBy2032.

[State Department For Forestry Kenya @Forestry__Kenya]

𝐏𝐒 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲

The State Department for Forestry has intensified efforts to strengthen coordination and enhance performance across the sector following a high-level public service engagement convened by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Mr. Felix Koskei on 14th April, 2026, as part of the ongoing re-energisation and revitalisation of the Public Service.

The consultative virtual meeting brought together leadership from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry alongside key sector agencies including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND), Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), with a shared focus on improving performance and delivering timely, quality services to wananchi.

Building on this momentum, Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi today convened a sectoral meeting at the KFS Karura Headquarters, bringing together Heads of Department within the State Department for Forestry led by Secretary for Administration Mr. Patrick Meso and leadership of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) led by KFS Board Chairman Mr. Titus Korir, Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and KEFRI CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna alongside senior sector officials.

The meeting focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, aligning sector priorities, and accelerating implementation of key Government programmes. It underscored a unified commitment to delivering results under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, particularly in enhancing livelihoods for communities that depend on forest resources.

Deliberations reaffirmed the sector’s shift towards measurable, results-based performance, with emphasis on improving tree survival rates, restoring degraded ecosystems, and ensuring that tree growing initiatives deliver both environmental and socio-economic benefits.

PS Mugambi urged officers to remain objective, uphold the rule of law, and operate within established legal frameworks, while maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability. He emphasised the need for strong cohesion and collaboration among SAGAs to ensure effective coordination, noting that a united and disciplined approach is critical to achieving the national target of increasing tree cover to 30 percent.

Also present at the meeting was Secretary, Forest Development Mr. George Tarus, Under Secretary Mr. Kihara Ndung'u, Senior Chief Financial Officer Mr. Tobias Osano, Ministry's Principal State Counsel Ms. Fatma Ali and Director Economic Planning Wilfred Omari.

[Gitonga Mugambi, CBS @GMugambi_CBS]

Today, I had the privilege of engaging in a high-level roundtable discussion on legislative priorities within the forestry sector, hosted by my Parliamentary Affairs counterpart, Ms. @PSAureliarono, as part of the ongoing Government Legislative Agenda engagements.

The meeting provided an important platform to advance the State Department for Forestry’s legislative agenda, with a focus on strengthening governance and promoting the sustainable management of our forest resources. It was noted that the National Forest Policy, approved in 2023, continues to guide the sector, with no new policy proposals currently under consideration.

We reviewed progress on the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was submitted to the National Assembly in August 2025. The Bill has since undergone its First Reading and is now before the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, currently conducting nationwide public participation.

I also highlighted progress in the development of eight draft regulations aimed at operationalizing the Forest Conservation and Management Act. Public participation has been successfully concluded for all, with Regulatory Impact Assessments already undertaken for key instruments, including those on concessions in public forests and participation in sustainable forest management.

Notably, the Forest Conservation and Management (Concessions on Public Forests) Regulations, 2025 have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney General for legislative drafting.

I was joined by senior @Environment_Ke officials and CEOs of our sector agencies, led by Secretary, Forest Development, Mr. George Tarus; @CCF_Kenya, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko of @KeForestService; and Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of @KEFRIHQ.

As we continue to strengthen the legal and institutional framework of the forestry sector, our focus remains on delivering a resilient, well-governed, and sustainable forest ecosystem for present and future generations.