National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has asked players in the judiciary to champion punitive measures for acts of environmental degradation.

Addressing the 3rd Regional Symposium on Greening Judiciaries in Africa at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Wetang’ula climate change is a global matter that requires urgent measures towards saving the ecosystem.

He said there is a need to enact strategic legislation geared towards addressing climate change.

“This dialogue could not have come at a better time than now when the effects of climate change are being experienced across the globe. Everywhere I go in the village, our elder citizens tell a different story of serious environmental degradation which has seen forests disappear and rivers dry up,” he stated.

Wetang’ula challenged the judicial fraternity to push for the review of existing environmental legislation to capture the current realities.

“I assure law lords of my support to propel any environmental related legislation to our ecosystem is secured now and for future generations,” he added.

Wetang’ula said Kenya had taken a deliberate step to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring a friendly environment.

The Speaker said he was encouraged by the coming together of judiciaries in Africa to “Think Environment, Think Green” towards saving the ecosystem. 

He noted that Parliament in Kenya has enacted laws intended to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment including the ban on the use of plastic bags, the promotion of renewable energy, and the conservation of forests

He said the legislation includes the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, the Climate Change Act, the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, the Water Act, the Energy Act and the Forest Conservation Management Act.

The Speaker further endorsed President William Ruto’s tree planting project terming it a positive step towards restoring Kenya to a green country.

“I acknowledge and support the President’s initiative to plant 15 million trees,” he added.

The Speaker said strengthening laws on environmental use and management will be key in mitigating climate change.