Kitui County Ministry of Energy, Environment, Forestry &Mineral Resources

06/02/2024

The County Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources Mr Richard Mwendandu has urged the County Assembly to expedite the enactment of the Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Bill so that the Bill can become a law.

The CECM was speaking during a consultative meeting between HE Governor Julius Malombe and Members of County Assembly at a Mutomo hotel today.

06/02/2024

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe today held a consultative session with the County Assembly in Mutomo town on draft Kitui County River Basin Sand Utilization and Conservation Policy and Bill.

The Governor, in his opening remarks *called on the assembly members to prioritize the interests of the people in spearheading efforts to enact a law to bring sanity* in the unregulated sand harvesting in Kitui.

"When I was seeking office, the people of Kitui asked me to do something towards bringing sanity to the sand menace. As leaders, we must have mechanisms on how sand will benefit our people" He said.

Governor Malombe *said upon enactment, the bill will be a landmark legislation that will demonstrate Kitui’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.*

The Kitui county *River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Bill was taken to the county assembly on July 17, 2023 for legislation.*

*The draft policy will facilitate enforcement once the draft bill is passed into law.*

27/11/2023

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23/11/2023

*CECM Mwendandu leads tree planting exercise in Kitui Central urban centers*

Kitui Environment CECM Richard Mwendandu spearheaded the "Duka Moja, Miti Tatu" Initiative in Kitui Central where over 900 trees were planted at the Kitui Stadium, Muslim primary school and Kwa Mumo market.

CECM Mwendandu said the initiative is set to transform urban landscapes and promote environmental consciousness within the community.

"Duka Moja, Miti Tatu initiative is not just about planting trees but also fostering a connection between urban life and nature.

"Our markets are not only places of commerce but also community spaces. By integrating greenery into these environments, we are creating a harmonious balance between development and environmental stewardship," he said.

He noted that the initiative will help to counteract the challenges of urbanization by transforming urban areas "green lungs" that will purify the air, provide shade, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the local populace.

The exercise saw planting of a variety of native tree species, carefully selected for their adaptability to urban settings and their ability to thrive in Kitui's climatic conditions.

CECM Mwendandu was joined by Township Ward Admin Gibson Kathoka and representatives of Kitui's business community led by KNCCI-Kitui Chapter officials led by CEO Kimanzi Musili, Ward Climate Change Committees and Youth Mentorship Programme (YMPK).

Kitui Central Chiefs and their Assistant, school staff, local residents and environmental activists also took part in the tree planting drive.

23/11/2023

Kitui County Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources, Richard John Mwendandu, today led the distribution of tree seedlings in Kitui South and Kitui Rural Sub-Counties.

CECM Mwendandu said the initiative was part of the county's efforts to mitigate climate change effects in Kitui through restoration of the ecosystem besides fostering a greener and healthier living environment for all residents.

The drive kicked off at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ikanga where CEC Mwendandu planted a ceremonial tree, emphasizing the county government's dedication to champion environmental conservation.

"I am thrilled to spearhead this initiative which aligns with our commitment to create a sustainable and resilient environment for current and future generations," he stated.

"Planting trees is not just a symbolic act. It is a tangible investment in the wellbeing of our communities and the planet as a whole. By distributing these tree seedlings, we are empowering each resident to be a steward of our environment," added the County Minister.

A total of 870 indigenous tree varieties suitable for Kitui's ecosystems such as Croton (muthulu), acacia (munina), moringa olifera and senna siamea (mukengeka), were distributed to local schools and churches.

ACK Chief Makau Secondary School (Ikanga), St Pauls' Catholic Church-Ikanga, Ikanga Mixed Day and Boarding Primary/ Visually Impared Unit, and Mosa Church of Christ in Mbitini were some of the beneficiary institutions of this ambitious program.

CECM Mwendandu further called on the residents across the county to not only plant trees but also ensure that they nurture them into mature trees.

Ministry of Energy, Environment, Forestry, Natural & Mineral Resources (MEEFNMR)

07/11/2023

The County Ministry of Energy, Environment, Climate Change, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources has embarked on a one-week training workshop for artisanal miners from Kitui West and Kitui South Sub-Counties at a Mutomo hotel.

The training programme is centered on Value Addition, faceting and gemstone cutting, identification of minerals and marketing.

Addressing the inaugural session of the workshop, Energy, Natural and Mineral Resources Chief Officer Henry Nyamai said the training will equip the miners with the necessary skills and knowledge on safe and sustainable mining practices, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and value addition.

"These groups will also be organized into cooperatives and issued with artisanal mining permits to enable them to mine and sell minerals from their region," he said.

CO Nyamai termed the workshop as part of the county government’s efforts to promote the development of Kitui's mining sector citing the huge mineral deposits including coal, iron ore, copper, limestone and a wide variety of gemstones, among others.

"The county government has initiated various projects to boost the local mining sector and tap into its huge economic potential for the benefit of Kitui people," he added.

Besides the Environment officials, other trainers include Prof. Eliud Mathu from SEKU and Dr. Patrick Kariuki from Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology as well as mining experts from the State Department of Mining and Gemology Centre Voi.

03/11/2023

The weeklong consultative meeting between Kitui Environment Ministry's officials and members of the County Assembly to refine the draft Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilisation and Conservation Policy and Bill 2023 concluded today.

The workshop, which was held in Mwingi Town, also brought on board the Kitui County Sand Harvesting and Management Taskforce led by Chairperson Esther Musili.

Addressing the closing session, Environment CECM Richard Mwendandu said the regulation will bring sanity to sand mining activities in the County besides guaranteeing economic benefit for residents.

CEC Mwendandu also commended the county legislators for their unwavering support towards efforts by Governor Dr. Julius Malombe's administration to regulate the venture and revolutionize utilization of Kitui's natural and mineral resources.

On his part, the Assembly's Environment Committee's chairperson and Tseikuru MCA Hon. Daniel Kimanzi said the forum presented the House an invaluable opportunity to interrogate the proposed legislation before seeking public views on the same.

Consequently, the County Assembly is set to conduct a four-day public participation on the draft policy and bill from November 7, 2023.

The exercise will aim at ensuring that the proposed policy and regulation reflect the interests and will of the Kitui populace before approval and eventual enactment.

02/11/2023

The County Government of Kitui has, in partnership with the various national government agencies and non-governmental organizations, rolled out a countywide tree planting exercise.

Speaking during launch at Mutonguni Vocational and Training Centre in Kitui West Sub-County, the Chief Guest and KEFRI's Eastern Regional Director, Dr. Albert Luvanda, urged Kitui residents to embrace the initiative in support of the national 15 billion trees target.

Dr. Luvanda termed tree growing as integral in enhancing the country's forest cover besides rolling back the adverse effects of climate change on Kenyan communities.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Chief Officer David Soi Masai underscored the county government's keenness to implement environmental conservation initiatives in line with _The Kitui Promise_ agenda on promotion of sustainable management of the County's ecosystems.

He highlighted the _*Boma Moja Miti Ishirini and Duka Moja Miti Tatu*_ initiatives which he said aimed at championing restoration of landscapes especially riparian areas and hilltops (water towers).

A total of *630 tree seedlings* were planted at the institution and *1,000* others issued to the locals.

Among the partners represented were the Kenya Forest Service, KEFRI, NDMA, NEMA, Caritas-Kitui, USAID Stawi, ADS-E, Kenya Red Cross, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, ADRA Kenya REREC, Water Resources Authority, and Kenya Water Towers Authority among others.

Also in attendance were the Chief Officer for Polytechnics, Vocational Centres and Homecraft Centres Kennedy Munyambu, area MCA Hon. Benjamin Mulandi and Kitui County Forest Conservator Charles Kavithi.

02/11/2023

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe today attended the inaugural meeting of the Water, Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Environment and Climate Change committee at the Council of Governors in Nairobi.

The meeting convened as Kenya seeks to spearhead coordination and implementation of strategic interventions that will enable the country restore degraded landscapes, and ecosystems towards biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and achieving at least 30% tree cover by 2032.

Among the interventions on consideration include the rehabilitation of degraded natural forests and water towers, rehabilitation of degraded mangrove ecosystems, establishment of bamboo, growing of fruits, restocking of forest plantation in gazetted forests and establishment of urban forests, arboretum, green spaces and road side plantings in wards and subcounties.

The collaborative framework for stakeholders engagement include obligations within adopt a forest initiative, technical support to establish nurseries, joint tree growing and support acquisition of tree seeds from KEFRI among others.

The discussions envisaged the success of the 15 billion trees plan as dependent on the uptake of tree growing by the public and institutions.

The counties seek to collaborate with NEMA in areas of joint waste management, Noise regulation, Sewerage systems among other areas.

The committee also met with the Financing Locally led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program team that is looking towards enhancing the delivery of locally-led climate resilience actions in order to increase communities' resilience to climate change and other hazards.