United Green Movement (UGM) co-party leader David Maraga has accused President William Ruto’s administration of overseeing the destruction of Kenya’s forests and other critical ecosystems.
Maraga has proposed a different economic approach that would place environmental conservation at the centre of job creation and industrial development.
Maraga criticises lifting of logging ban
In a statement issued on Thursday, Maraga criticised the government’s decision to lift the logging ban.
According to him, the move exposed forests and important water catchment areas to further destruction.
He also argued that the government’s environmental policies do not match its international climate commitments.
The former Chief Justice pointed to the administration’s 15 billion tree-growing campaign as an example of what he described as a contradiction.
“President Ruto has spent over Ksh.1.45 billion since he came to power on luxurious foreign climate-related trips. He also launched a 15 billion tree-growing project at the start of his administration,” Maraga said.
The UGM leader accused the government of allowing widespread destruction of forests and ecosystems.
“He has, however, now chosen to oversee the fastest nihilistic asset-stripping, ecosystem destruction and degradation of our national biodiversity ever known in our republic’s history,” he added.
Maraga raises concerns over forest destruction
The former Chief Justice also accused the government of allowing the destruction of indigenous forests in the Mau Forest Complex.
Concerns were also raised over tree harvesting near protected areas in the Aberdares.
Maraga further pointed to tree cutting along major roads connecting Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kitale.
He warned that continued environmental destruction could hurt Kenya’s economy in the long term.
According to the 2027 presidential aspirant, the damage could affect agriculture, water supplies and sustainable development.
Maraga cites constitutional obligations
Maraga also accused the administration of violating constitutional environmental protections.
He referred to Articles 42, 69 and 10 of the Constitution.
Article 42 provides for the right to a clean and healthy environment. Meanwhile, Article 69 sets out the State’s environmental responsibilities, while Article 10 includes principles linked to sustainable development.
For Maraga, Kenya should view environmental conservation as an economic investment rather than an obstacle to business.
Maraga proposes ‘Green Leap’ economic model
The 2027 presidential aspirant proposed what he called a “Green Leap” economic model.
Under the plan, environmental restoration would help create jobs, attract investment and support industrial growth.
His party would establish a publicly funded “Green Army” to employ young people in various environmental activities.
These would include seed collection, tree nurseries, reforestation and watershed rehabilitation.
The programme would also support wider ecosystem restoration projects.
Plan targets carbon and biodiversity financing
Maraga said the proposed model would attract international funding through verified carbon credits and biodiversity investments.
The proceeds would then go towards supporting rural communities.
In addition, he backed sustainable agroforestry as an alternative to uncontrolled commercial logging.
Farmers could combine trees with food production under the approach. Maraga argued that this would improve land use while providing a more organised source of timber.
Maraga proposes national green bonds
The fourth part of the proposal involves a national green bond programme.
Through the initiative, Maraga said Kenya could raise funds for renewable energy, microgrids and climate-smart agriculture.
He argued that such a model could make environmental conservation a driver of economic growth.
At the same time, the proposal could help Kenya reduce its dependence on foreign borrowing.
Maraga urges Kenyans to reject Ruto
Maraga urged Kenyans to reject the Ruto administration in the next General Election.
Instead, he called for the election of a government that would protect the environment while supporting economic development.
“We commit that our administration shall put both the people and the planet first,” Maraga said.
