Over hundred delegates from pastoralists communities have gathered in Nairobi in a bid to chat way forward ahead of conference of parties to be held later in the year in Mongolia.The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) to recognize the importance of pastoralism.
According to permanent secretary of state department of ASAL and regional development Kello Harsama the conference seeks to address rangelands as unutilised lands, future of African food systems,climate adaptations, sustainable livelihoods and and issues affecting pastoralists communities across Africa.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the conference at the Kenya school of monetary studies Cabinet secretary for defence Soipan Tuya has called on the Kenya government to address historical injustices and rights of marginalized pastoralist and ecosystems restoration since they face unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and land degradation, threatening their way of life.
The event brings together pastoralist youth, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss climate change, market access, and sustainable livelihoods organized by IMPACT Kenya, AFPAT, NDMA, and the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development.
climax of the five day event is a field visit on January 28 to indigenous pastoral communities in Suswa, Narok County aimed to foster peer learning and dialogue.These communities have been managing rangelands for centuries, providing essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
