Kenya Water Towers Agency on the 21st and 22nd of March, 2019 joined other players in the environment and water sectors in celebrating the International Day of Forests (IDF) at Bondo Teachers Training College in Siaya County and World Water Day at Mumias Complex, Kakamega County respectively. Every year on 21st March, stakeholders celebrate IDF and raise awareness on the importance of all types of forests. This year’s theme addressed, ‘Forests and Education’ which sought to raise awareness on how to sustainably manage forests and provide a wide array of conservation activities in the country. The commemoration for this day was led by Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Mr Keriako Tobiko, Chief Administrative Secretary Mr. Mohammed Elmi and Siaya County Governor HE Cornel Rasanga. During the event, the CS Mr Tobiko promised to fast-track gazettment of hills as forests and water towers within two months depending on the efficiency of County Government of Siaya.
The World Water Day was celebrated on 22nd March 2019 presided over by Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon Chelugui together with Kakamega County Governor H.E Wycliffe Oparanya. This year’s theme was ‘leaving no one behind’ adopted from 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which emphasizes sustainable development progresses that benefits everyone.
Mr. Tobiko urged Kenyans to plant and conserve trees as a long-term measure against drought and starvation while preventing floods and contributing to food security. On his part Mr. Chelugui highlighted the challenges on ensuring water security for the country one of them being the diminishing water resources. Reduced resources of water has been caused by continuous interference of the country’s water towers. This is the point where KWTA plays a major role in restoring, rehabilitating and protecting water catchment areas in the country to ensure continuous supply of water and ecosystem health.