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.
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Citizen Digital
… Deborah Barasa and Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi during the first-ever Global REDD+ Summit in Nairobi. …
Nairobi hosts first-ever global REDD+ SummitThe Standard
… es from 59 countries implementing the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) framework, four donor nations and 14 international climate organisations operating under the United Nations climate architecture.Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa …
Global forest protection summit spotlights climate actionThe Standard
… Governments at GLF Africa pledged to strengthen efforts supporting rangeland ecosystem services, including biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, cultural preservation and carbon storage.Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa urged government …
Why the world is finally paying attention to rangelands, herdersCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6 — Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to step up enforcement of environmental laws, warning that violators will face immediate sanctions, including closure of facilities. …
CS Barasa Orders NEMA to Enforce Environmental Laws ‘Without Compromise’ Amid Riparian CrackdownCitizen Digital
… Present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives), Deborah Barasa (Environment), Eric Mugaa (Water), and Attorney-General …
Ruto defends economic record, says Kenya on path to transformationCitizen Digital
… His presence affirms our growing role as a credible leader in global climate action,” said Dr Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. …
Inside 24-hour one-man attempt to plant 40,000 mangroves in MombasaCitizen Digital
… Deborah Barasa window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); The feat has drawn widespread attention as a powerful example of citizen-led fore …
Hillary Kibiwott named Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees CampaignThe 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →