The wives of governors from Kenya’s 47 counties on Monday renewed the commitment to advance green agenda through policy reforms, public education and promotion of innovations that would strengthen action on pollution, ecosystems depletion and climate change.
Speaking at a roundtable organized by the UN Environment (UNEP) in Nairobi, they pledged to leverage their influential positions to advocate for better management of natural resources at the grassroots level.
“We have a responsibility as county leaders to champion environmental sustainability that is a prerequisite in ensuring local communities are food, water and energy secure,” said Nancy Kivutha, chair of the county first ladies’ environment caucus.
Kivutha said county governments are committed to domesticate international best practices to promote solid waste management and adoption of cleaner energy sources in rural towns.
“A healthy environment is key to tackle poverty and marginalization affecting rural communities. We intend to be at the forefront in the fight against indoor pollution, land degradation and deforestation,” said Kivutha.
First Lady of Kisumu County Dorothy Nyong’o said public awareness is key to minimizing deforestation and pollution of fresh water resources that has escalated in rural villages and towns.
“Counties are bearing the burden of environmental degradation that has been worsened by poor waste disposal and unregulated exploitation of natural resources like water bodies and forests,” Nyong’o said.
“We require a new vision to ensure that counties become centers of green innovations and jobs,” she added.
The chairman of environmental committee at the Council of Governors, John Chumo, said a structured dialogue between national and county governments has intensified to find solution to emerging threats facing vital ecosystems.
“County governments are reaching out to other critical stakeholders like industries and community-based organizations to promote sustainable environment management,” Chumo said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh
