Barasa Leads Kakamega World Environment Day,

 Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Friday led residents, government officials, development partners, and environmental stakeholders in marking World Environment Day 2026 at Kisaina Primary School in Isukha Central Ward, Shinyalu Sub-County, rallying communities to intensify climate action efforts.

The commemoration brought together leaders from both levels of government, Members of the County Assembly, County Executive officials, learners, and residents in a unified call for stronger environmental stewardship and sustainable development practices.

In his address, Governor Barasa emphasized that environmental conservation remains a core pillar of his administration’s development agenda, urging residents to actively embrace tree planting, proper waste management, and water conservation.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future,” underscores the urgency of collective action in addressing the impacts of climate change.

Governor Barasa highlighted significant environmental milestones achieved under his administration, including the planting of more than 2 million tree seedlings in partnership with the FLLoCA programme, which he said has contributed to raising county tree cover to 9.8 per cent.

He also pointed to the expansion of over 50 solar-powered water projects, distribution of energy-efficient cookstoves aimed at reducing deforestation, and the establishment of two weather monitoring stations in Likuyani and Matungu, with a third currently underway in Malava to improve climate forecasting and data access.

The Governor further acknowledged ongoing partnerships with the National Government, Government of Japan, Office of the First Lady, County Government of Vihiga, Safaricom Foundation, Rhino Ark, and the Wangari Maathai Foundation in advancing forest protection, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and community climate resilience initiatives.

Beyond environmental efforts, Barasa outlined key development projects in Shinyalu Sub-County, including investments in health facilities, water infrastructure, ECDE centres, technical institutions, bridges, sanitation systems, and bursary support programmes.

He revealed that the county has disbursed KSh14.2 million in bursaries benefiting 4,336 students, while flagship projects such as Shamakhubu Level IV Hospital and several ECDE centres are at various stages of completion.

The event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise, where leaders and residents reaffirmed their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development across Kakamega County.

The ceremony was attended by County Assembly Speaker James Namatsi, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Mrs. Peninah Mukabane, Education CECM Dr. Benard Amwayi, and other senior officials alongside development partners and community representatives.

Governor Barasa called on residents to take personal responsibility in protecting the environment, saying climate action must be embraced at both household and community level to secure the future of coming generations.