By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring degraded rangelands through sustainable land use, recognizing that healthy rangelands are key to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Kenya’s Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, made the commitment at the Global Observance of World Desertification and Drought Day 2026, in Kenya on Wednesday.
Held under the theme “Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities,” this year’s observance, which was hosted by y Kenya, emphasized the urgent need to restore rangelands a critical ecosystems that sustain pastoral communities, support wildlife and livestock, conserve biodiversity, enhance food security, and strengthen resilience against climate change and drought.
Kindiki revealed that fhe Government also used the event to award KSh 54,110,962 in Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation to affected families, reaffirming its commitment to supporting communities living alongside wildlife while promoting peaceful coexistence.
Kenya Environment and Climate Change Department in a post on its X social media handle, said the event brought together global and national leaders committed to advancing land restoration and building a more resilient future.
