Environment and Forestry Departments Lobby for Increased Budget Allocation

The Environment, Forestry, and Mining Committee, led by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, received the 2026 Budget Policy Statements (BPS) from the three State Departments under its oversight, with the Environment and Climate Change and Forestry departments presenting their policies. The State Department for Mining was unable to make its presentation after its Cabinet Secretary, Ali Hassan Joho, failed to attend.

During the session, Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno of the State Department for Environment and Climate Change highlighted budget shortfalls and requested the Committee’s support in lobbying for additional funds.

“Hon. Chair, I want to call on this Committee to help the State Department advocate for additional budgetary allocation to ensure that planned policies, projects, and programmes are implemented,” he said.

CS Dr. Deborah Barasa detailed a Sh2.2 billion budget deficit, representing 46% of funds required for 29 planned capital projects in the 2026/2027 fiscal year. The department needs a total of Sh4.8 billion but was allocated only Sh2 billion. She urged timely release of funds to enable smooth execution of activities outlined in the annual work plan and budget.

Both the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), under PS Ng’eno, requested additional resources to hire more staff to boost revenue collection and fulfill their statutory mandates.

CS Barasa also represented the State Department for Forestry after PS Gitonga Mugambi was asked to step out of the meeting due to a conflict of interest. The move followed the controversial demolition of a school in Baringo South allegedly linked to the Kenya Forest Service. CS Barasa asked the Committee to consider additional funding to achieve the government’s goal of 30% forest cover.

“Hon. Members, an additional Sh9.6 billion is needed to attain this target in FY 2026/2027. We continue to thank this Committee and Parliament for past support and request continued assistance in oversight, resource allocation, and policy formulation,” she said.

Committee members questioned practical examples of successful tree-planting initiatives, with MPs Joseph Emathe (Turkana Central) and Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) highlighting the neglect of arid and semi-arid areas in Environment and Climate Action programs.

Beatrice Kemei (Kericho) urged the departments to allocate resources specifically for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities in climate resilience and national tree-growing programs.

The State Department for Mining, represented only by PS Harry Kimtai, was allowed to table its policy without a detailed presentation. The Committee noted that the CS’s absence prevented a proper discussion, citing Article 232 of the Standing Orders.

The Committee’s session highlighted the urgent need for additional budgetary support to implement environmental, forestry, and climate initiatives while ensuring equitable distribution of resources across the country.