𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐀 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

H.E. Governor Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, OGW, today joined environment stakeholders at the Lwaningu Forest Block in Lurambi Sub-County to mark World Rainforest Day 2026 under the theme, “The Forest Within You.”

In his address,the Governor called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, scientists and local communities to protect and restore Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest.

Governor Barasa said Kakamega Forest remains one of the country’s most important ecological assets, supporting biodiversity, water security and climate resilience. He noted that the forest is home to over 370 plant species, 400 butterfly species, and about 360 bird species. He expressed concern over threats posed by human encroachment, illegal logging and climate change, and emphasized the need for sustained conservation efforts to safeguard the forest for future generations.

The Governor highlighted ongoing interventions by the County Government and its partners, including the fencing of Kakamega Forest, establishment of indigenous tree nurseries, support for surrounding communities through free beehives, bamboo growing programmes and other reforestation initiatives aimed at restoring forest cover and improving livelihoods.

Emphasizing his administration’s commitment to environmental conservation, Governor Barasa said Kakamega County is committed to planting five million trees annually in support of Kenya’s goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, having planted over 22 million trees. He noted that through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, more than half a million seedlings have already been planted in schools and public institutions across the county.

The event was graced by Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mama Dr. Ida Odinga, who was the Chief Guest, and Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa. Also present were Principal Secretary State Department for Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, CBS, Members of the County Assembly led by Hon. Modesta Auka, County Executive Committee Members led by Mrs Penina Mukabane of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Development Partners, Environmental Stakeholders and other Government Officials.