Former presidential advisor Moses Kuria has suggested relocating the headquarters of the Environment Ministry to Nyandarua County.
Addressing attendees at the World Environment Day celebration in Olkalou, he highlighted the region’s unique status as Kenya’s environmental center.
Kuria commended Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa for attending the event in the county, calling her visit symbolic and appropriate given Nyandarua’s ecological importance.
“Coming to Ol Kalou was the correct decision,” Kuria stated.
The former cabinet secretary noted that Nyandarua hosts significant natural features such as portions of the Aberdare Ranges, Lake Ol Bolossat, and forest systems, making it an ideal location for the ministry’s base.
He emphasized that these attributes establish the county as a pivotal player in Kenya’s environmental framework.
“Nyandarua is the sole county with a national park, arboretum, and Lake Ol Bolossat. It truly is the county of environment,” he declared.
Kuria explained that the Aberdare ecosystem reinforces the county’s claim as a natural focal point for environmental conservation, noting that the area has historically been linked to water catchment preservation and biodiversity protection.
He argued that moving the Environment Ministry headquarters to the county would enhance the visibility of non-Nairobi counties and underscore the significance of decentralization in governmental functions.
Kuria pointed out that Nyandarua communities have traditionally been instrumental in environmental conservation.
He mentioned that residents have maintained a close relationship with forests, water sources, and agricultural systems that rely significantly on environmental safeguards.
“When it comes to environmental conservation expertise, no one knows better than the people of Nyandarua,” Kuria asserted.
The World Environment Day gathering in Olkalou united national and county leaders, environmental partners, and local residents to explore conservation initiatives, climate change adaptation, and sustainable land management approaches.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, serves as the United Nations’ primary platform for promoting global awareness and environmental action.
The worldwide event highlights pressing ecological challenges and encourages governments, corporations, and communities to adopt sustainable practices.
Kenya participated in the worldwide commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day at the Arboretum grounds in Olkalou, Nyandarua County.
The event was organized under the theme “A Global Call for Climate Action” with the accompanying slogan: Climate Crisis and Solutions.