Department of Water, Environment & Natural Resources

05/06/2026

The Department of Water, Environment, natural resources and climate change also commemorated World Environment Day at Sanga Comprehensive and Junior School in Mukogodo East Ward, Laikipia County, which was led by the Director of Environment, Mr. DK King’ori , alongside the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Mukogodo East Ward, Paul Leshuel, bringing together students, teachers, partners and community members under the theme “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future.”

The commemoration focused on promoting environmental conservation and climate action within the school and surrounding community, with emphasis on sustainable practices that support environmental restoration and improved livelihoods. The Director of Environment, Mr. DK Kin'gori echoed the need to observe climate justice, urging that both county and national governments are signatories to various international environmental and climate change protocols as well as local environmental laws. He emphasized that it is not optional to implement these laws, noting that inaction can lead to public legal action, and further stressed that governments must be accountable for climate change impacts. He also called for “greening tourism” to make the sector low-carbon and climate change resilient.

The commemoration featured tree planting activities, where all participants took part in planting trees, contributing to the restoration of the school environment and the increase of tree cover within Sanga Comprehensive and Junior School.

In attendance were students and teachers from Sanga Comprehensive and Junior School, members of the community, alongside the Director of Climate Change, Mr. John Leti, Ward Administrator Tumpes Legei, and partners including Lewa Conservancy, Wild Ride, Borana Conservancy, Lengishu House and Ilgwesi Conservancy, who supported and participated in the commemoration and environmental conservation activities aimed at strengthening ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.

05/06/2026

Today, Caritas Nyahururu, in partnership with the Department of Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, led by the Chief Officer for Environment, Mr. Stephen Lapian, brought together stakeholders, learners, teachers, development partners and community members at Kiwanja Day Secondary School in Kinamba, Laikipia County, to commemorate World Environment Day under the theme “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future.”

The commemoration focused on environmental conservation, climate action and sustainable natural resource management, with emphasis on addressing challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, water resource protection and the impacts of climate change. The Chief Officer for Environment, Mr. Stephen Lapian, stated that environmental protection requires collective responsibility and that communities take an active role in restoring and safeguarding natural ecosystems for present and future generations.

The commemoration featured tree growing activities, where participants took part in restoring degraded landscapes, increasing forest cover and protecting water catchments, reinforcing efforts towards environmental restoration and climate resilience.

The event brought together learners and teachers from Kiwanja Senior School, G.G Kinamba Comprehensive School, Makutano Comprehensive School, Destiny Comprehensive School, G.G Kinamba Senior School, Kiwanja Comprehensive School and Ndindika Comprehensive School, alongside the chief officer of Livestock, Veterinary, and Fisheries Laikipia County Ms Mary Gichuru, the technical team from the department of water environment and natural resources, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Wildlife Service (Kenya Wildlife Service), the Kenya Forest Service (Kenya Forest Service), the Water Resources Authority (Water Resources Authority), Pioneer Child Fund Development, HM Clause, and the County Administration, who all participated in the commemoration activities.

04/06/2026

Today, the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Laikipia County held a stakeholder engagement meeting with the Nanyuki Water Resource Users Association (WRUA) in Nanyuki, led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ms. Leah Njeri. The engagement focused on challenges affecting the Nanyuki River sub-catchment, ongoing conservation interventions, and opportunities for strengthening stakeholder collaboration in water resource management.

The CECM emphasized the need for collective responsibility in the protection and sustainable management of water resources and river ecosystems. She also highlighted ongoing and planned interventions under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) Programme and the Kenya Watershed services improvement Programme (KEWASIP), aimed at strengthening climate resilience and enhancing sustainable natural resource management within the sub-catchment.

Members of the Nanyuki WRUA and other stakeholders took part in the discussions and shared views on strengthening conservation efforts and community involvement. They emphasized improved project ownership at community level. They also called for better coordination in sourcing seedlings, including quantity, variety and planting areas, and structured participation in field activities such as labour support for works including gabion installation. In addition, they highlighted the need for improved site identification and demarcation using GPS in collaboration with the Water Resources Authority (WRA), enhanced sensitization of riparian landowners on sustainable water use, strengthened awareness among river scouts for ecosystem protection, and better coordination among stakeholders and relevant committees to improve implementation.

Overall, the participants expressed strong support for ongoing and planned conservation interventions under FLOCCA, including tree growing initiatives and support for nature-based enterprises such as beekeeping, reaffirming their commitment to working closely with government agencies and partners in strengthening sustainable management of the Nanyuki River sub-catchment.

The meeting was attended by the Director of Water, Mr. Robert Mworia, alongside members of the Nanyuki WRUA, representatives from the Water Resources Authority (WRA), Community Governance Liaison (CGL), and technical officers from the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative conservation and sustainable management of the Nanyuki River sub-catchment.

20/05/2026

The National Treasury, through the Central Planning and Project Monitoring Department and the inter-departmental National Treasury Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (NTPMEC), in collaboration with the Department of Water, Environment and Climate Change and the County Government of Laikipia, undertook a Monitoring and Evaluation exercise today for Financing Locally Led Climate Action Programme (FLOCCA) projects in Laikipia County, led by the CECM of the Department of Water, Environment and Climate Change Ms Leah Njeri. The exercise aimed to assess implementation progress, identify gaps and challenges, and strengthen project delivery and sustainability.

As part of the exercise, the team conducted field visits to two water projects under the County Government of Laikipia namely the Gakeu Water Project and Nkando Secondary School Borehole in Umande ward.

At Nkando Secondary School and the Gakeu Water Project, the team observed FLOCCA-funded water projects aimed at improving access to clean and reliable water in Laikipia County. At Nkando, borehole equipping and solarization works were ongoing, promoting solar pumping, reducing fuel use and improving water supply for the school and nearby community. At Gakeu, the project was already operational, addressing past water shortages, improving access, reducing distance travelled for water and strengthening community resilience to climate change.

The exercise highlighted key lessons including the importance of community participation in project ownership, the effectiveness of solar energy in reducing operational costs, and the need for continuous technical supervision and monitoring to improve efficiency.

Overall, the exercise established that FLOCCA projects in Laikipia County were contributing to improved water access, climate resilience and sustainable development while promoting renewable energy solutions in water infrastructure.

12/05/2026

The Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Laikipia County, today participated in an engagement organized by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in Nanyuki. The engagement aimed at sensitising stakeholders and community members to promote renewable energy and clean cooking technologies for sustainable energy solutions and environmental conservation.

The session emphasized EPRA’s mandate as a regulator of both the energy and petroleum sectors, including the regulation of electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems, as well as the licensing and oversight of electricians, to ensure safety, competence and compliance within the industry. The Authority also played a key role in promoting safe, efficient and sustainable energy use across the county, while supporting the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy sources for households and institutions.

County officers in charge of Environment and Forestry highlighted initiatives that the County, has embarked on to support clean cooking energy. These include promoting sustainable woodfuel practices among farmers through pruning of trees instead of cutting, as well as encouraging the uptake of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels. Participants were sensitized on the need to reduce overreliance on firewood and charcoal, which continue to contribute to deforestation and land degradation.

In this regard, emphasis was placed on the adoption of sustainable energy alternatives such as biogas. This is particularly important given Laikipia County’s high livestock population and strong potential for biogas production. Other promoted solutions included solar energy, improved energy-efficient cooking stoves, and the use of briquettes as alternative and environmentally friendly fuel sources.

Present during the engagement were officials from EPRA, officers from the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, community members and chiefs from the area.

11/05/2026

Today, the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Laikipia County conducted a site visit along the Nanyuki River as part of ongoing efforts under the Nanyuki River Restoration Project aimed at restoring and protecting the river ecosystem.

The visit was led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Ms Leah Njeri alongside the project contractor COLTI Construction Limited. The exercise focused on identifying sections along the river that require restoration before the commencement of implementation activities.

Key issues discussed during the visit included land demarcation to distinguish public and private land, protection of riparian areas, tree growing initiatives and measures to address interference caused by livestock and human activities along the river corridor.

The team also discussed measures to control soil erosion by installation of gabions to strengthen riverbank stability. In addition, a proposal for the establishment of a shamba system was discussed as part of efforts to promote sustainable land management and community participation in restoration activities.

Present during the visit were the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Laikipia East Mr. Patrick Muli, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from the area, officers from the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, community members and representatives from COLTI Construction Limited.

08/05/2026

The Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Laikipia County today held a stakeholders’ meeting on the Nanyuki River Restoration Project in Nanyuki. The meeting aimed at strengthening efforts towards the restoration and protection of the river ecosystem.

The meeting was led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Madam Leah Njeri, who emphasized the importance of restoring the river and addressing challenges such as pollution, encroachment, and siltation along riparian areas. COLTI Construction Limited, the project contractor, also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the local community to support the successful implementation of the restoration project.

During the meeting, stakeholders discussed the need for tree growing initiatives, protection of riparian areas through beaconing, improved waste management, and enforcement measures to reduce pollution affecting the river. The discussions also highlighted the importance of alternative livelihood initiatives such as beekeeping to support communities involved in restoration activities.

Present during the meeting were the Director of Water, Mr. Robert Mworia, the Deputy County Commissioner of Laikipia East (DCC), Mr. Patrick Muli, the Municipal Manager of Nanyuki Municipality, Antony Rukwaro, Chiefs from Nanyuki and Thingithu, the Assistant Chief Majengo, officers from NEMA Laikipia County, members of Nanyuki WRUA and Nanyuki Ward WCCPC, MKWEP representatives, representatives from Rural Resource Center Nursery, COLTI Construction Limited representatives, officers from the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and residents from Nanyuki Ward.

06/05/2026

The Department of Water Environment Natural Resources and Climate Change Laikipia County led by the Chief Officer for Environment Mr Stephen Lapian continued with the Laikipia County tree growing drive. The exercise was conducted in Doldol, Laikipia North, marking the third day of the initiative. The Chief Officer was accompanied by forestry and environmental officers, county education officers and other members of the county’s technical team.

The exercise was carried out at Doldol Boys, St Francis Girls High School, Kurum Comprehensive School and Kurum Mixed Secondary School, where a total of 1300 indigenous tree seedlings suited to the ecological conditions of Doldol were grown.

The Chief Officer emphasised the importance of tree ownership among students, urging them to take responsibility for nurturing the seedlings to maturity. He acknowledged the presence of environmental clubs in the schools, noting their role in promoting conservation awareness. He further highlighted the county theme “Growing a Greener County Legacy”, which continues to guide collaborative efforts among schools and stakeholders.

Sanitary towels were issued to students at Kurum Comprehensive School and Kurum Mixed Secondary School in support of learner welfare and retention.

Also present were representatives from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), Ministry of Education (MoE), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Hallmark Institute of Professions, LACTISA and TVET, alongside head teachers, principals, teachers and students who took part in the tree growing exercise.

The activity reflects a shared commitment to advancing environmental conservation through sustained tree growing, while encouraging students to embrace responsibility and strive for excellence as Laikipia County continues to promote a greener and more sustainable future.

30/04/2026

The Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Laikipia County, led by the Chief Officer for Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Stephen Lapian, alongside the Deputy County Commissioner of Laikipia west Sub- County, today carried out a tree growing exercise at Rwathia Forest in South Marmanet Laikipia West, in support of environmental restoration efforts. He was accompanied by the county’s Environment and Forestry officers and other technical officers from the county.

The activity is part of the county’s ongoing initiative to achieve its annual target of planting 37.4 million trees and during today’s exercise a total of 8000 tree seedlings were grown. The programme focuses on key areas including degraded forests, crop lands through on farm tree growing, wetlands and rangeland rehabilitation. This is to encourage farmers to grow trees on their farms as they are easier to maintain and present economic opportunities, such as carbon credit benefits and increased income through fruit farming, compared to conventional crop production.

The exercise was conducted in partnership with Pioneer Child Development Programme (PCDP), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), International Tree Foundation (ITF), Kenya Prisons Service, Community Forest Association (CFA) South Marmanet, Caritas Nyahururu, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) including chiefs, Nyahururu Green Army, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and community members who actively participated in the exercise.

This initiative highlights the importance of collective action in environmental conservation. It also shows the reinforcement of Laikipia County’s commitment to sustainable natural resource management and long term ecosystem restoration across the county.

29/04/2026

The Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Laikipia County led by the Chief Officer for Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Stephen Lapian, today executed a tree growing exercise in Shika Adabu area Nanyuki, at the KDF grounds in Laikipia County, as part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable natural resource management.

The event was graced by the presence of the Laikipia County Commissioner Mr. Duncan Muyesu, the KDF Commander Laikipia County, the County Environment and Forestry Officers and other technical members of the county.

The overall theme of this ongoing activity across the county is “growing a green county legacy”. This activity is in line with the President’s initiative of growing 15 billion trees nationwide by the year 2032 with the goal of increasing forest cover. A total of 20,000 tree seedlings were grown today ,comprising of a diverse mix of both exotic and indigenous species.

The exercise was conducted in partnership with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Cereal Growers Association (CGA), Pioneer Child Development Programme, Ngarisha Mtaa, Community Forest Association (CFA), the Kariki Farm among other partners. Community members also actively participated in the exercise.

This countywide initiative reflects Laikipia County’s continuous commitment to strengthening environmental restoration efforts through sustained tree growing across all sub counties. It underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving long-term environmental sustainability and reinforces the county’s dedication to creating a greener and more resilient future across all areas of the county.

Department of Water, Environment & Natural Resources - Laikipia County

05/06/2026

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