Environment CS Deborah Barasa unveils tree planting exercise in West Pokot

The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, began her tenure with a tree-planting exercise in Kapenguria and Lelan areas of West Pokot County.

During the exercise, Dr. Barasa engaged with local leaders and residents, emphasizing that the initiative was a bold declaration of hope.

She stressed the importance of afforestation in tackling climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, and securing a sustainable future.

While acknowledging the region's environmental challenges, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, she urged communities to go beyond tree planting and focus on proper care and maintenance.

She called on households, schools, and farmers to take an active role in tree conservation while also challenging youth and local leaders to champion environmental stewardship.

The CS was accompanied by West Pokot Deputy County Commissioner Wycliffe Munanda, County Secretary Jonathan Siwanyang, and Chief Officer for Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Leonard Kamsait.