NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has successfully mapped 12,300 wetlands across Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the country’s vital ecosystems.
This update was presented to Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during his inaugural visit to NEMA headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday.
The mapping exercise resulted from President William Ruto’s directive issued last year, mandating the protection and gazettement of all wetlands and water towers across the nation.
The directive underscored the urgency of preserving at least 10,000 wetlands from human encroachment, deforestation, and other destructive activities.
During the briefing, CS Duale commended NEMA’s efforts but urged the Authority to maintain an updated list of wetlands to ensure swift and appropriate conservation actions.
He emphasized the need for NEMA to enforce environmental regulations across all 47 counties, ensuring that Kenya’s natural resources are protected for future generations.
“NEMA must enforce the law to guarantee the environment is safeguarded. All facilities in the 47 counties must be brought under compliance,” Duale stated.
In addition to the wetlands initiative, Duale directed NEMA to issue notices to institutions for the disposal of hazardous asbestos materials.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, poses significant health risks, including lung diseases such as asbestosis and cancer.
The CS highlighted the importance of mitigating these risks, particularly given the increased danger when asbestos exposure is combined with smoking.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary Festus Ngeno, Duale also held discussions with NEMA’s Board of Directors, Management, and staff, stressing the importance of enhancing revenue collection to support the Authority’s operations.
He called for NEMA to optimize its services to the public, aligning with the broader goal of a cleaner and safer environment for all Kenyans.
This update was presented to Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during his inaugural visit to NEMA headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday.
The mapping exercise resulted from President William Ruto’s directive issued last year, mandating the protection and gazettement of all wetlands and water towers across the nation.
The directive underscored the urgency of preserving at least 10,000 wetlands from human encroachment, deforestation, and other destructive activities.
During the briefing, CS Duale commended NEMA’s efforts but urged the Authority to maintain an updated list of wetlands to ensure swift and appropriate conservation actions.
He emphasized the need for NEMA to enforce environmental regulations across all 47 counties, ensuring that Kenya’s natural resources are protected for future generations.
“NEMA must enforce the law to guarantee the environment is safeguarded. All facilities in the 47 counties must be brought under compliance,” Duale stated.
In addition to the wetlands initiative, Duale directed NEMA to issue notices to institutions for the disposal of hazardous asbestos materials.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, poses significant health risks, including lung diseases such as asbestosis and cancer.
The CS highlighted the importance of mitigating these risks, particularly given the increased danger when asbestos exposure is combined with smoking.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary Festus Ngeno, Duale also held discussions with NEMA’s Board of Directors, Management, and staff, stressing the importance of enhancing revenue collection to support the Authority’s operations.
He called for NEMA to optimize its services to the public, aligning with the broader goal of a cleaner and safer environment for all Kenyans.
