PS Omollo: Sustainable natural resource management key to reducing conflicts

The sustainable use and protection of natural resources has emerged as a critical pillar in strengthening national security, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has said.

Speaking during a start-up workshop for the Integrated Natural Resource Management Programme (INReMP) attended by senior ministry officials in Eldoret on Tuesday, Dr. Omollo noted that modern security management now extends beyond traditional law enforcement to include environmental protection and responsible resource use.

He explained that competition over natural resources such as land, water, forests, fisheries and pasture has historically contributed to tensions and conflicts in many parts of the country.

“Traditionally, our mandate as a State Department has been associated with maintaining law and order. However, in today’s evolving governance and security landscape, it is clear that the sustainable management and protection of natural resources is a critical pillar of national security,” said Dr. Omollo.

The PS warned that climate variability, environmental degradation and growing pressure on natural resources have intensified security challenges in some regions.

According to him, degraded ecosystems often lead to resource scarcity, threatening livelihoods, reducing economic opportunities and fuelling social tensions.

He cited conflicts among pastoralist communities in arid and semi-arid areas, where competition for pasture and water during drought periods has frequently triggered clashes.

Dr. Omollo urged security officers and administrators to strengthen efforts against illegal logging and forest encroachment, noting that environmental protection is now part of safeguarding national stability.

He also referenced the devastating flash floods that recently struck parts of the country, killing at least 40 people, injuring many others and destroying property.

“These realities remind us that the protection of natural resources is not only about conservation. It is about safeguarding livelihoods, preventing situations that may cause conflict and protecting the long-term stability of our nation,” he said.

The PS expressed satisfaction with the progress of the INReMP programme, saying it aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, food security and sustainable livelihoods.

He noted that the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) have played a key role in implementing the programme across the country.

Dr. Omollo added that INReMP complements several other national initiatives, including the Financing Locally Led Climate Action Programme, the Food Systems Resilience Programme and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project.

He said the initiatives collectively aim to strengthen climate resilience, boost agricultural productivity and promote sustainable natural resource management across the country.