Uniting to Overcome Desertification: Kenya's World Day Observance

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations observance celebrated each June 17th. Its purpose is to raise awareness about desertification and drought and highlight methods of preventing and recovering from it.

This year's theme, "United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future," underscores the critical importance of collective action to preserve the planet's vital land resources for future generations. In Kenya, the celebrations will be held in Doldol-Nanyuki, Laikipia County.

Desertification is a major environmental and socio-economic problem in Kenya, affecting about 80% of the country's total land mass. It has resulted in widespread acute poverty and other adverse effects of drought for 7-10 million inhabitants of these affected areas.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) constitute approximately 80% (467,200 sq. km) of Kenya's total land mass. These regions are home to about 35% of Kenya's population, with over 60% living below the poverty line.

Kenya has proactively addressed this issue, having signed the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1994 and ratified it in 1997. The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought serves as a reminder of the country's ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of desertification and drought and to preserve its land for future generations.