The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, marked her first official engagement in her new role with a tree-planting exercise in Kapenguria and Lelan areas in West Pokot County.
During the visit, Barasa addressed local leaders and residents, describing the tree planting initiative as “a bold declaration of hope,” underscoring the vital role of afforestation in combating climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, and ensuring a sustainable future.
Barasa highlighted the environmental challenges facing the region, such as prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall, urging communities to shift from merely planting trees to actively nurturing them. She called on households, schools, and farmers to take responsibility for tree care while challenging youth and local leaders to spearhead conservation efforts.
Dr. Barasa 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.
