Kenya to lead global push against land degradation at 2026 UNCCD ceremony

MICHAEL OMONDI AND RACHEL MOTURI

Kenya is proud to host the global observance of World Desertification and Drought Day 2026 under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a significant recognition of the country’s leadership in advancing global efforts to combat land degradation and strengthen resilience against drought.

This annual observance, marked on 17th June under the theme ‘Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore’, goes beyond the ceremony by serving as a strategic platform to raise awareness, shape policy dialogue, and mobilize action on the growing challenges of desertification, land degradation, and climate impacts.

Speaking during a High-Level Partnership Resource Mobilization Meeting in preparation of the event which will take place alongside the 11th edition of ‘Our Ocean Conference’, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno highlighted the strong link between land restoration and a resilient blue economy.

Ng’eno emphasized the need to align financial and in-kind contributions from development partners and the private sector to ensure the successful delivery of the global observance.