This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
On November 7, 2019, Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko revealed the government's plan to strengthen public-private partnerships in environmental conservation efforts.
As part of the initiative, the government aims to increase the country's forest cover to at least 10% by planting 2 billion tree seedlings by 2022. To achieve this goal, Tobiko stated that the government is working closely with private sector organizations and community groups.
Already, public-private partnerships have shown positive results, with the private sector contributing over 10 million tree seedlings to various national reforestation campaigns. Corporate organizations are also actively engaging their workforce in environmental regeneration programs.
According to Tobiko, the government's approach to environmental conservation is a collective responsibility that involves both public and private sectors. He emphasized the need for collaboration to combat illegal logging, pollution, and environmental degradation, stating, 'Environmental Management remains a collective responsibility for both the public-private players.'
Tobiko also announced that state agencies responsible for environmental management have increased surveillance to curb environmental pollution across the country. He warned that industrial concerns discharging effluent and sewerage directly to sensitive ecosystems will face the full force of the law.
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) Managing Director Jane Karuku expressed her company's commitment to supporting environmental conservation initiatives as part of its corporate social responsibility goals. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring the sustainable use of shared resources like water.
