DP Kindiki Pushes for Rangeland Restoration to Protect Livelihoods

The national administration has intensified its campaign to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, tying environmental conservation directly to economic stability and community survival.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki made the remarks during the Global Observance of Desertification and Drought Day held in Vipingo, Kilifi County, under the theme 'Rangelands, Recognize, Respect, Restore'.

He emphasized that fragile landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and rangelands, are highly productive zones supporting millions of livelihoods globally rather than idle expanses.

The state intends to counter land degradation, drought, and desertification through large-scale nationwide interventions.

Central to this initiative is the state's ongoing program to plant 15 billion trees by the year 2032.

The campaign will focus on locally relevant tree species to deliver both ecological benefits and financial returns to local communities.

In the coastal region, agencies are prioritizing the planting of mangroves, coconut trees, mango trees, and cashew nut trees to generate wealth for the residents.

The Deputy President instructed authorities to scale up mangrove restoration programs specifically within Kilifi County on a monthly basis.

A failure to protect these habitats triggers severe social and economic disruptions, including reduced agricultural productivity.

When land health deteriorates, communities face declining crop yields, loss of pastoral livestock, dwindling water sources, and the displacement of vulnerable populations.

The administration is coordinating its environmental interventions alongside international bodies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

The state also intends to collaborate with local communities to integrate indigenous knowledge into its scientific conservation frameworks.

Accountability remains a priority for the ongoing initiatives.

The Deputy President called for the establishment of clear operational timelines and robust monitoring mechanisms to guarantee that ecosystem restoration targets are systematically measured and achieved.