The Technical Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Metrine Too, has called on residents of Trans Nzoia County to actively participate in environmental conservation initiatives while leveraging emerging economic opportunities.
Speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) consultative forum in Makutano Ward, Mrs. Too reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all communities, including marginalized groups, are integrated into environmental conservation and climate change mitigation programs.
Mrs. Too emphasized that communities living near forests who wish to engage in shamba system farming are welcome to do so, provided they adhere strictly to environmental guidelines.
“The Cabinet Secretary understands the vital role of communities in ensuring that programs under her ministry succeed,” Mrs. Too stated, highlighting the importance of community-led conservation efforts.
The advisor also highlighted the growing carbon market as an economic opportunity for local communities. She urged leaders to ensure that vulnerable groups benefit fairly from such initiatives, stressing that inclusion is key to sustainable development.
Mrs. Too underscored the need to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities such as the Sengwer in Cherang’any, a forest-dwelling group, while ensuring they gain tangible benefits from conservation programs.
She further spotlighted ongoing empowerment initiatives spearheaded by Dr. Barasa targeting widows, aiming to enhance livelihoods and provide social protection for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.
“The Cabinet Secretary is committed to inclusive development that balances environmental protection with community welfare and economic growth,” she noted.
These remarks come as Kenya strengthens policies that link environmental conservation with sustainable community development, recognizing that the active involvement of all groups is critical for long-term environmental stewardship.
