This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On World Environment Day, June 5, 2020, the National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) highlighted the alarming rate of disappearing animal and plant species in Kenya. The committee cited pollution, deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change as the primary threats to the environment.
According to Dr. John Chumo, NECC Secretary, climate change has had severe impacts on Kenya's economic development, resulting in recurring droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and floods that negatively affect livelihoods and community assets.
Deforestation has also been a significant challenge, caused by illegal logging and charcoal burning. The committee noted that over 8% of Kenya's 30,000 square kilometers of tree cover was lost between 2001 and 2014.
However, Dr. Chumo emphasized that the government's efforts to restore Kenya's degraded water towers are part of a broader campaign to tackle climate change. The targeted water towers include Mount Kenya, the Aberdares, Mount Elgon, the Cherangani Hills, and the Mau Complex.
The committee urged the government to enact policies controlling over-hunting, over-fishing, and over-harvesting, which significantly contribute to the loss of biodiversity.
