President William Ruto has asked the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to help the country tackle the climate change phenomenon, and take lead in the 15 billion tree-planting programme.

The President noted that climate change was the biggest threat to the country’s development and prosperity.

Speaking during the pass-out parade for KDF officers at the Defence Forces Recruit Training School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Wednesday, he said he was confident that the military was up to the task of combating climate change.

“I ask KDF to lead the way by providing mechanisms, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, of achieving the 15 billion tree-planting programme,” said President Ruto.

He pointed out that the recent floods that affected many parts of the country, leading to loss of lives and property, were a consequence of climate change.

“As you secure our nation from emerging security threats, climate change is also going to be our biggest threat. This is why we must mobilise the military to provide solutions to such emerging issues,” he said.

The President commended KDF for their efforts and effective disaster response during the devastating floods.

“The government is committed to relocating and resettling affected families and to significantly enhancing national disaster response capabilities to be even better prepared for future emergencies,” President Ruto said.

Ruto: ‘Iconic peacekeeping role’

At the same time, President Ruto reiterated that the country celebrates KDF for its “iconic peacekeeping role”, which complements our nation’s well-established credentials in the region and beyond.

The President said these credentials enhance Kenya’s capacity to face an increasingly delicate, complex and challenging regional and global diplomatic and security environment.

“Whether in peace support missions abroad or national development projects at home, your actions reflect competence and efficiency worthy of our trust and the esteem in which our nation is held on the global stage,” he said.