CS CALLS FOR BAMBOO AWARENESS

CS, flanked by Vihiga Gvnor, Wilber Ottichilo, CAS, Hon. Mohammed Elmi and Chief Conservator of Forests, Monicah Khalenda giving his remarks.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry, Mr. Keriako Tobiko has called on leading agencies to demystify the growing of bamboo, which had immense economic benefits to the Country.

Speaking during a stakeholders public participation on the proposed bamboo policy in Mbale, Vihiga County, Mr. Tobiko called for the immediate roll out of a program to sensitize the public on the importance of the bamboo industry, lamenting that, it was regrettable the Country lagged in bamboo growing, while neighboring Countries who benchmarked in Kenya three decades ago on initiating the trade, were now enjoying the benefits of a vibrant industry.

The CS urged environment agencies to quickly finalize a concept note strategy and policy on bamboo growing to be presented to the Cabinet and Parliament for approval, urging them to link scientific research, action and the community input to ensure successful implementation of the progrmme. He urged the drafters to incorporate the  impact of bamboo growing to Vision 2030, MTP II, Sustainable Development Goals, the big 4 agenda and the Nationally Determined contribution to Climate Change, and commended the Kenya Forestry Research Institute and  collaborating partners for their diligent work in introducing 22 new bamboo varieties that could be grown in the various parts of the Country.

CS with Gvnor Ottichilo, viewing some bamboo products during the forum.

Mr. Tobiko called on Kenyans to embrace bamboo growing, adding that, each part of the Country was now able to plant appropriate varieties according to the latest research findings.

Addressing the stakeholders, Vihiga County Governor, H.E. Hon. Wilber Ottichilo called on the National Government to operationalize the Climate Change Fund to be disbursed to various agencies including the Counties, in order to promote bamboo growing in a bid to mitigate against the effects of climate change on the ecosystems.

The forum, that attracted hundreds of participants from the public, government, non-governmental organizations and the civil society, was also attended by the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry, Hon. Mohammed Elmi, the County Commissioner, Vihiga, Susan Waweru and Departmental heads from the Ministry.

CS, Keriako Tobiko and Vihiga Governor, Hon. Wilber Ottichilo, with other stakeholders on bamboo in a memorable group photo.