Saturday August 3, 2024
Kenya's Environment Minister, Aadan Duale, addresses the parliamentary committee on scrutiny, emphasizing that corruption poses a greater threat to Kenya than the militant group Al-Shabaab.
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Kenya's Environment Minister Aadan Duale declared today that corruption is a more significant obstacle to Kenya's development than the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group. Duale made this statement while addressing the parliamentary committee on scrutiny, responding to a question from parliamentary majority leader Kimani Ichung'wa. "If I were asked today which is a greater threat to Kenya, Al-Shabaab or corruption, without hesitation, I would say corruption," Duale said. "You can identify Al-Shabaab, know where they are, and understand their capabilities. But corruption is what is destroying our country."
Duale emphasized that corruption is the hidden danger undermining Kenya, particularly affecting the country's natural resources. Reports from Transparency International Kenya and the World Bank have highlighted that illegal logging, facilitated by corrupt officials, has led to significant forest cover loss and environmental degradation. The Mau Forest Complex, one of Kenya's largest water catchment areas, has suffered severe deforestation due to illegal logging and settlements.
Land grabs by high-ranking officials have resulted in deforestation, displacement of local communities, and conflicts over land ownership. Incidents like those in Karura Forest near Nairobi, despite some conservation efforts, show that threats persist due to attempts by senior government officials to allocate parts of it to private developers.
Wildlife conservation is also compromised by corruption, enabling poaching and trafficking. Kenya's position as a key transit route for illegal wildlife products like ivory and rhino horn is exacerbated by corrupt practices within law enforcement.
Duale added that high-ranking government officials own a significant amount of forest land. He pledged to reclaim these lands if parliament granted him authority.