CS Barasa calls for urgent forest protection in Kiminini to avert landslides
By Cy Muganda, January 25, 2026Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa has called for urgent protection of forests and natural resources in Kiminini Sub-County, warning that environmental degradation could expose communities to disasters such as landslides.
In a statement posted on her X account on Sunday, January 25, 2025, Barasa said sustainable development can only be achieved when communities are actively involved in shaping their own progress, noting that environmental conservation must go hand in hand with social and economic empowerment.
“On environmental sustainability, I emphasised the urgent need to protect our forests and natural resources to avert disasters such as landslides and environmental degradation,” Barasa stated.
Community outreach
The CS made the remarks during a community outreach engagement in Nabiswa Ward, Kiminini Sub-County, where she met more than 750 women and youth to discuss development priorities for the area and the wider Trans Nzoia County.
“Our discussions centred on the development priorities of Kiminini and the broader Trans Nzoia County, with a strong focus on inclusive growth, empowerment and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she said.
According to the CS, her ministry is already rolling out and planning additional environmental conservation programmes, including green job initiatives, as part of broader efforts to safeguard livelihoods while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
“I highlighted ongoing and forthcoming environmental conservation and green job initiatives under my Ministry and noted our close collaboration with other government agencies in preparation for the President’s visit,” she said.
Presidential visit
During the engagement, Barasa also briefed residents on the planned visit by President William Ruto to the county and outlined what she described as transformative initiatives expected to be rolled out.
These include the upgrading of key health facilities such as Kijana Wamalwa Memorial Hospital, Tom Mboya County Referral Hospital and Kitale County Hospital, alongside the expansion of electricity connectivity.
“I further informed the community that I have formally engaged His Excellency the President to host Western Region women leaders at State House, reaffirming the Government’s unwavering commitment to women empowerment,” she stated.
She further revealed that she had formally engaged Ruto to host women leaders from the Western region at State House as part of efforts to strengthen women’s empowerment.
The CS said she also extended support to vulnerable groups through the donation of food supplies and blankets to widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and the elderly, describing the intervention as a step towards safeguarding dignity and improving livelihoods.
Barasa concluded by calling for unity and collective responsibility in driving sustainable development.
“When we move forward together as one community, we unlock greater opportunities, shared prosperity and sustainable development for all,” she said.