Kenya Minute.
Friday, 11 September 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 11 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Deborah Barasa

Also known as: Dr. Deborah Barasa · Dr Deborah Barasa · Environment CS Deborah Barasa · Dr Barasa · Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa

Environment Cabinet Secretary who has warned Kenyans on riparian land to evacuate ahead of El Niño rains and highlighted ranger deaths protecting forests.

2026-04-292026-09-11

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. September 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    Already, a multi-agency team led by Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has been on the ground in Baringo County, bringing together experts from across government to avert a possible humanitarian and environmental disaster around Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, among the area

    Gov't identifies 18 high-risk counties ahead of El Niño rains
  3. Citizen Digital

    s over 3,000 hectares in Mt Kenya forest By Greg Muriithi September 08, 2026 08:27 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa

    Fire ravages over 3,000 hectares in Mt Kenya forest
  4. The Standard

    Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said about 85 per cent of the fire had been contained by Monday, with teams focusing on hotspots and smouldering areas that could trigger new outbreaks.

    Mount Kenya wildfire: What 8,700 burnt hectares reveal about the crisis
  5. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeEnvironment CS Deborah Barasa after opening a multi-agency technical workshop on the rising water levels of Lakes Baringo and Bogoria at Lake Bogoria Spa and Resort in Baringo County.

    CS tells Kenyans living on riparian land to move ahead of El Nino rains
  6. August 2026
  7. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeCommunity Forest Associations ( CFAs) are crucial for reaching the goal of 30% tree cover, according to Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.

    CS Barasa: Community Forest Associations vital to achieving 30 tree cover
  8. The Standard

    Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has urged farmers to plant short-season crops to cushion the country against food shortages.

    Historic El Nino threat raises fresh risks for Kenya's economy and food security
  9. The Standard

    This solemn ceremony was part of this year’s World Ranger Day celebrations, marking 20 years since the global observance was established.Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, who led the event honouring the officers, emphasised the daily dange

    Kenya pays tribute to 14 rangers killed in line of duty
  10. The Standard

    Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa urged farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture and plant short-season crops to help cushion the country against the effects of widespread maize crop failure caused by prolonged drought.Dr Barasa said the ministry is working with fa

    Farmers told to plant short season crops ahead of El Nino rains
  11. July 2026
  12. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 15 – Senators have challenged Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa over what they described as weak enforcement of environmental laws, despite Kenya having one of the region’s most comprehensive legal frameworks on pollutio

    Senators Put Environment CS Barasa on the Spot Over Pollution Control Failures
  13. Citizen Digital

    Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the Ministry is fully focused on achieving the 2032 tree planting target as well as boosting rehabilitation programmes situated across the country.

    DP Kindiki calls for full focus on President Ruto’s reelection next year, warns against 2032 distraction

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Government classifies 18 counties as high-risk for El Niño rains

    The government has identified 18 counties as high-risk areas ahead of heavy rains and flooding expected from October, with a multi-agency team already working in Baringo County on evacuation and preparation efforts.

    9 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Mt Kenya forest fire consumes over 3,000 hectares

    A fire that began September 1 in Mt Kenya forest has consumed over 3,000 hectares, with 85% contained as of Monday. Over 400 personnel including Kenya Forest Service and Defence Forces staff have been deployed, and no casualties have been reported.

    8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Mount Kenya wildfire burns thousands of hectares, exposes fire-fighting gaps

    A wildfire on Mount Kenya that began September 1 has affected more than 3,000 hectares according to the government, though conservation group Rhino Ark estimated about 8,700 hectares burned by September 6. Dry conditions, strong winds, and invasive plant species have driven the fire's spread across the ecosystem, with over 400 personnel deployed to contain it.

    8 September 2026 · The Standard

  3. CS urges Kenyans on riparian land to evacuate before El Nino rains

    Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has warned Kenyans living on riparian land to move to safer ground ahead of expected heavy rainfall from October through January, citing risks of accidents and incidents from flooding. The Nairobi Rivers Commission noted that encroachment on riparian spaces remains a major obstacle to river rehabilitation efforts.

    8 September 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 8 August

  1. CS Barasa highlights CFAs' role in achieving 30% tree cover

    Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa says Community Forest Associations are vital for reaching Kenya's 30% tree cover goal, noting that CFAs manage forest resources, establish nurseries, and lead forest restoration efforts. Kenya has 233 registered CFAs, with around 80% actively involved in forest conservation.

    8 August 2026 · The Standard

Friday 7 August

  1. Kenya faces most powerful El Niño in four decades

    Kenya is experiencing its strongest El Niño in more than four decades, with forecasters warning of potential economic catastrophe and threats to food security. The Southern Oscillation Index fell to -29.1 in July, its lowest level since February 1983, with an 81 per cent probability of a "very strong" El Niño event between October and December that would rank among the largest in the historical record since 1950.

    7 August 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Kenya honours 14 rangers killed protecting forests this year

    Kenya planted 14 trees to honour rangers killed in the line of duty since the start of the year during World Ranger Day celebrations at the Forests Law Enforcement Academy in Mukutani. Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa noted that 14 rangers have died and 40 others injured while protecting the country's natural resources against armed illegal loggers, poachers, and forest fires.

    5 August 2026 · The Standard

Monday 3 August

  1. Ministry encourages climate-smart farming ahead El Nino rains

    The Ministry of Environment has launched a programme to equip farmers with climate-smart farming skills and is urging them to plant short-season crops to take advantage of anticipated El Nino rains and mitigate losses from the failed maize season caused by prolonged drought.

    3 August 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Senators criticize CS Barasa over weak pollution control enforcement

    Kenyan senators have challenged Environment CS Deborah Barasa over weak enforcement of environmental laws, arguing that despite Kenya's comprehensive pollution control legal framework, continued industrial emissions, toxic waste dumping, and water contamination indicate serious implementation gaps. The lawmakers directed much criticism at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), questioning its effectiveness in enforcing environmental standards.

    15 July 2026 · Capital News

Saturday 11 July

  1. DP Kindiki urges focus on Ruto's 2027 reelection bid

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has rallied supporters to consolidate support for President Ruto's 2027 reelection, warning against political distractions including campaigns for 2032 elections. He called on supporters to set aside "unimportant matters" and unite efforts to ensure the President wins a second term.

    11 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Deputy President hails Kaptagat conservation model for communities

    Deputy President Kindiki has praised the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme as a blueprint for community-led conservation, saying its decade-long success shows that environmental restoration works best when it improves livelihoods for forest-adjacent communities. He spoke at the programme's 10th anniversary in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

    11 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 26 June

  1. First Lady leads Mau Forest tree-planting restoration drive

    First Lady Rachel Ruto and Ida Odinga led a tree-planting exercise in the Mau Forest Complex as part of the Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme, which aims to plant more than 40 million tree seedlings over the next decade to rehabilitate the forest and support the national campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.

    26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. First Lady leads tree-planting drive in Mau Forest Complex

    First Lady Rachel Ruto and Kenya's Ambassador to UNEP Ida Odinga led a tree-planting exercise in the Mau Forest Complex as part of a long-term conservation programme targeting the planting of more than 40 million seedlings over the next decade to restore degraded forest landscapes. The First Lady adopted 33 hectares within the forest as part of the restoration campaign.

    26 June 2026 · Capital News

Tuesday 23 June

  1. KWS director rejects KNCHR report on Lake Nakuru missing fishermen

    During a Senate hearing on forced disappearances of young fishermen at Lake Nakuru, Kenya Wildlife Services Director General Erastus Kanga rejected a report tabled by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, saying he had not seen it and could not adequately respond to allegations without reviewing the document first.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 17 June

  1. DP Kindiki calls for restoration of degraded rangelands

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for enhanced global action to restore degraded rangelands and strengthen ecosystem resilience, saying Kenya is committed to planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to combat land degradation, drought and desertification.

    17 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kindiki urges global action on land degradation and ecosystem restoration

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on the international community to intensify efforts to restore degraded rangelands and strengthen ecosystem resilience, warning that land degradation threatens livelihoods, food security, and environmental stability. Kenya is committed to planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to counter drought, desertification, and environmental degradation.

    17 June 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Kenya, Finland sign three pacts on education, climate, technology

    Kenya and Finland have signed memoranda of understanding on education (covering technical and vocational training, teacher development, and competency-based learning), digital innovation (digitisation of public services and digital transformation), and climate action (climate change resilience, environmental sustainability, and green growth). President William Ruto witnessed the ceremony with President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on June 10, 2026.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya and Finland sign education, technology, climate cooperation deals

    President William Ruto oversaw the signing of three major cooperation agreements with Finland during a State Visit to Helsinki, covering education, technology, and climate action. The agreements are expected to deepen bilateral relations through practical collaboration in TVET, digital transformation, and climate initiatives.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 22 May

  1. Kenya on track to plant 15 billion trees by 2032

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Kenya is on course to achieve the targeted 15 billion trees by 2032 to raise forest cover, with 1.7 billion trees already planted since the programme launched in 2022. He spoke during celebrations marking the International Day for Biological Diversity and the launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

    22 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Government launches environmental restoration programme in Kerio Valley

    The Deputy President and Interior Cabinet Secretary launched the CHERISH programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County, linking ecosystem restoration to peacebuilding and security in the Kerio Valley region while calling on citizens to embrace environmental conservation as a constitutional and moral obligation.

    22 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Nairobi hosts first Global REDD+ Summit on climate action

    Kenya has hosted the first-ever Global REDD+ Summit in Nairobi, bringing together representatives from 59 REDD+ countries, four donor nations and 14 international organisations to accelerate action against deforestation and climate change. Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa noted the gathering comes at a critical moment for meeting Paris Agreement targets.

    19 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya hosts inaugural global forest protection summit in Nairobi

    Nairobi is hosting a three-day summit drawing delegates from 59 countries, four donor nations and 14 international climate organisations to strengthen international cooperation on forest conservation and climate action under the REDD+ framework. Kenya launched Africa's inaugural National REDD+ Registry and operationalised a National Safeguards Information System to track forest emissions reductions and protect indigenous and local community rights.

    19 May 2026 · The Standard

Monday 11 May

  1. Global attention turning to rangelands, pastoralist communities

    Governments at the Global Landscapes Forum Africa conference have committed to advancing action for rangelands and pastoralist communities. Kenya will host the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day on 17 June 2026 under the theme "Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore."

    11 May 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 6 May

  1. CS Barasa orders NEMA to enforce environmental laws without compromise

    Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has directed NEMA to step up enforcement of environmental laws with immediate sanctions for violators, including facility closures. The directive targets riparian land encroachment and non-compliant waste management practices, with a focus on illegal waste disposal and compliance with the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022.

    6 May 2026 · Capital News

Thursday 30 April

  1. Ruto defends economic record, cites three-year growth

    President William Ruto said Kenya is changing for the better and pointed to economic growth during his three years in office as proof the country is headed in the right direction. He highlighted progress in universal health coverage, agriculture, education and housing, and vowed that Kenya will become a first-world economy within his lifetime.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Canadian tree planter attempts 40,000 mangrove record in Mombasa

    Antoine Moses, a Canadian who holds the Guinness World Record for planting the most terrestrial trees in 24 hours, is attempting a new record by planting 40,000 mangroves in 24 hours in Mombasa, coordinating with tidal shifts to plant as water retreats and focusing on mangroves as coastal buffers.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Environmentalist Hillary Kibiwott named trees campaign ambassador

    The government has appointed environmentalist Hillary Kibiwott as Ambassador for Kenya's 15 Billion Trees Campaign following his record attempt to plant 23,326 trees in 24 hours at Kaptagat Forest, pending Guinness World Records ratification.

    29 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

Deborah Barasa — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute