KIAMBU– Environment Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Aden Duale, on Thursday appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, chaired by Baringo South MP, Charles Kamuren, to discuss the supplementary budget estimates for the Environment and Climate Change and Forestry State Departments for the fiscal year 2024/25.
The meeting was held at a hotel in Kiambu County.
In his address, CS Duale highlighted the significant budget cuts the Ministry has faced, which have hindered the implementation of priority projects under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He pointed out that these cuts have affected the Ministry’s ability to carry out key projects aimed at addressing Kenya’s environmental challenges.
Among the most impacted initiatives are the Lake Naivasha Basin ecosystem restoration, forest fire management capacity development, tree seedling production, modernization of the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), and various Green Zones programs. These projects are integral to Kenya’s environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation efforts.
CS Duale urged the committee to consider an additional development funding request of Kshs. 972 million, which would be allocated across three major areas: Kshs. 500 million for tree growing and forest fire mitigation, Kshs. 200 million for Green Zones development, and Kshs. 272 million for capacity development in forest fire management.
Appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, chaired by Hon. Charles Kamuren, to discuss Supplementary Budget Estimates II for FY 2024/25.
I raised concerns over significant budget cuts that have stalled key Bottom-Up Economic… pic.twitter.com/7Hgmy2rOPL
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 6, 2025
He emphasized that these projects are crucial for enhancing Kenya’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of the ongoing climate change crisis.
Acknowledging the vital role Parliament plays in the Ministry’s climate action initiatives, particularly in ecosystem restoration and sustainable waste management, Hon. Duale praised the legislature for its ongoing support in providing oversight and developing policies that strengthen the Ministry’s mandate. He further encouraged the Ministry’s staff to maintain strong working relationships with Parliament to ensure the successful implementation of the Ministry’s broad environmental agenda.
The CS also expressed gratitude to the committee for its unwavering support in policy development, notably the recent passing of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations, and the ongoing development of regulations within the forestry sector.
CS Duale was accompanied at the meeting by Mr. John Elungata, the Secretary of Administration for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Evans Mutari, the Secretary for Forestry, as well as the Heads of Departments and agencies within the State Department.
As the Ministry seeks to secure additional funding to continue its critical environmental programs, it remains committed to addressing Kenya’s pressing climate challenges through strategic actions and collaborative efforts with Parliament and other stakeholders.
