Help Us Enforce Environmental Laws, CS Duale Urges Judicial Institutions

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale Wednesday asked judicial institutions led by the judiciary to support the Ministry and its agencies to enforce the various environmental laws.

The institutions include National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Greening The Justice System: Framework, Theories, Elements and Practice Imperatives’ Report at a Nairobi hotel, Duale noted that environmental challenges facing the country were largely due to weak enforcement of existing laws.

“Together we can build a justice system that not only upholds the rule of law but also protects our environment for the benefit of all Kenyans,” Duale said.

At the launch, attended by Chief Justice Martha Koome, Duale assured that the Ministry will collaborate more with the justice sector institutions in the enforcement of environmental laws.

“The Ministry of Environment will continue to collaborate with the justice sector to monitor implementation of the sector’s mitigation and adaptation actions and coordinate reporting and verification of the corresponding emissions reductions and adaptation benefits towards the national targets in fulfilling Kenya’s international commitments on Climate Change.”

“The Ministry also commits to identify policy gaps that hinder the attaining of environmental and climate justice in an effort to bridge these gaps,” Duale said.

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said that Kenya Prisons Service had a target of propagating 2.2 million seedlings annually to support the 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme.

The PS said the 13-acre Ruiru Prisons tree nursery was the largest such facility in the country.

Other speakers at the launch included Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga and CJ Koome among others.

The Chief Justice assured Kenyans of the judiciary’s support for the country’s environmental conservation agenda through the ongoing ‘Greening Kenya’s Justice System’ programme.

‘Greening The Justice System: Framework, Theories, Elements and Practice Imperatives’ Report is an outcome of a study commissioned by the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).