TOBIKO CALLS FOR PARTNERSHIPS

Memorable- CS, Mr. Keriako Tobiko, in a memorable group photo with the Maa Ladies Environmental Ambassadors, after the courtesy call.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry, Mr.Keriako Tobiko, has challenged professionals from the Maa community to form networks and groups, in order to champion for environmental education to their communities.

Speaking to a group of Maa Ladies Environmental Champions who had called on him in his office, the CS noted that, the community is challenged because they depend on the environment 100%, and there is  need to educate the people on the importance of environmental conservation.

The CS challenged them to form groups, networks and movements to champion environmental education to their communities which are mostly affected by environmental related disasters including drought and floods. He  cited the dependence of the Maa community on the environment for their livelihoods as a driving force to take up conservation issues seriously and become environmental ambassadors.

Mr. Tobiko noted that, apart from the Maa land being Arid and Semi Arid (ASALs), there were many other challenges faced by the community who are largely pastoralists, including rampant charcoal burning, lack of proper human waste disposal among others.

The CS called on the environmental ambassadors to expand their networks to include volunteers from Narok, Kajiado, Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit and Baringo counties, and identify key environmental concerns in these counties as well as map out learning institutions that are fenced, and that can be tree planting sites ahead of the short rains tree planting regime in October and November.

CS, Mr. Keriako Tobiko, in discussion with members of the Maa Ladies Environmental Ambassadors group in his office.