Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged international partners to increase their support for programs aimed at combating the adverse effects of climate change in Kenya.
Gachagua noted that the government has intensified its efforts to address climate-related challenges such as severe drought, increased rainfall, and flooding, calling for greater global support.
Speaking at his official residence in Karen, where he hosted the Common Board of Trustees of the Center for International Forestry Research, the Deputy President emphasised that the ongoing program to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 would greatly benefit from international assistance.
“Climate change is real. We have an ambitious programme of growing trees as one of the mechanisms we have identified to combat the negative effects of climate change. I appeal to you for your expertise, technical advice for this programme to come to fruition,” he said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua commended the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) for its enduring collaboration in environmental conservation and the promotion of agroforestry.
Gachagua expressed his pride in Kenya hosting the headquarters of ICRAF, now merged with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). He emphasized the organization’s contributions to environmental conservation, stating, “It is an honour for the Board to sit in Kenya. We are honoured to host the headquarters of ICRAF. We appreciate the great work they are doing.”
Additionally, Gachagua urged CIFOR-ICRAF to assist in the restoration of Nairobi’s rivers. He highlighted the importance of their technical advice and resource mobilization in ensuring the success of the ambitious restoration programme.