Environment Ministry Seeks More Funding to Drive Kenya’s Climate and Forestry Agenda

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has called for increased budgetary allocation to support the implementation of critical environmental conservation, climate resilience and forestry programmes across the country.

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa presented the Ministry’s 2026/2027 Financial Year Budget Estimates, outlining key priorities and funding requirements aimed at advancing Kenya’s environmental sustainability agenda.

The session, chaired by Mwala MP Hon. Eng. Vincent Musyoka, brought together senior government officials and stakeholders from the environment and forestry sector to deliberate on the Ministry’s proposed allocations and financing needs under the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

In her presentation, Dr. Barasa said the Ministry remains central to Kenya’s efforts in climate action, environmental conservation, sustainable forestry management and ecosystem restoration, noting that these initiatives are vital to the country’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable development goals.

However, the CS warned that despite the proposed budget estimates showing an increase from the approved Budget Policy Statement (BPS) ceilings, the allocations remain far below the Ministry’s actual financial requirements.

She noted that the persistent funding gap continues to hinder the Ministry’s ability to fully implement key interventions, particularly in climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable waste management, environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration projects.

Dr. Barasa further cautioned that inadequate financing could undermine the Government’s ambitious 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, which is a cornerstone of Kenya’s climate action commitments and long-term environmental sustainability strategy.

Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, who accompanied the CS during the session, underscored the need for enhanced budgetary support for the State Department for Forestry to achieve the national target of 30 per cent tree cover by 2032.

According to Mr. Mugambi, additional funding would strengthen forest conservation efforts, support nationwide tree growing campaigns, improve forest rehabilitation and protection programmes and enhance collaboration with county governments, local communities and development partners in ecosystem restoration initiatives.

Also present during the meeting were Secretary for Forest Development George Tarus, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jane Njuguna, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko and other senior officials from the Ministry.

The committee is expected to review the Ministry’s proposals as Parliament continues deliberations on the 2026/2027 national budget estimates.