Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Deborah Barasa, has vowed to prioritize environmental conservation, tackle climate challenges, and ensure sustainable resource management in her new role. Barasa, who was previously the Health CS, made this commitment as she officially assumed office following a mini Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto.
Taking to social media platform X, Barasa expressed her dedication to fostering environmental stewardship across the country. “Let’s work together to ensure our environment continues to nurture prosperity for generations to come,” she stated, calling upon all Kenyans to take an active role in conservation efforts.
Barasa emphasized the importance of shifting focus from merely planting trees to ensuring their long-term growth. She encouraged households, schools, and farmers to actively participate in tree-growing initiatives, noting that the success of conservation efforts lies in sustained care. “Let us not only plant trees but take good care of them. Long-term care is key to environmental conservation,” she remarked.
The new CS also extended her gratitude to President Ruto for entrusting her with the Environment docket. Reflecting on her tenure at the Ministry of Health, she acknowledged that national strength begins with the well-being of its people, which is intrinsically linked to a healthy environment.
Barasa officially commenced her duties on Thursday by leading a tree-planting drive in Lelan, West Pokot County. She reaffirmed the government’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, calling it “a bold declaration of hope” aimed at combating climate change and restoring degraded lands.
Recognizing the environmental challenges facing West Pokot, including prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall, Barasa urged local communities to actively participate in reforestation efforts. She commended grassroots environmental champions for their ongoing conservation initiatives and assured them of the government’s support.
With her strong advocacy for environmental conservation, Barasa’s leadership is expected to drive the implementation of policies that will contribute to Kenya’s sustainability goals. As she takes on this new challenge, the nation watches with anticipation to see how her vision for a greener Kenya unfolds.
