KTN News unveils new environment show

KTN News channel has unveiled a new environment magazine show aimed at boosting the country's efforts to conserve environment.

The eco@africa show, which debuted yesterday, will be showcasing both the challenges and the milestones made in conserving the environment.

The Standard Group's 24-hour news channel has partnered with Germany's leading public broadcaster, DW News and Channels TV in this venture.

DW was represented by Managing Director in charge of distribution Guido Baumhauer, while Channels TV from Nigeria was represented by Senior Manager Corporate Services Yemisi Ipaye.

At the launch attended by Environment Cabinet Secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu yesterday, Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei noted that for long, environment matters have not been receiving adequate attention, even in the media.

However, with the new magazine show, issues such as pollution, global warming and the threat of wildlife in the continent will have a broad platform.

"As a country, we face a lot of environment degradation, ranging from deforestation to soil erosion, which have depleted our water catchment areas such as the Aberdares and the Mau. We have done a lot, but we need to do more," Shollei said.

Mr Shollei said the programme will bring to light the most-creative and brilliant ways of safeguarding the environment.

"When we advise farmers not to use some form of farming as it depletes the environment, many do not understand. It is sad that we see many human activities such as agriculture practised by 75 per cent of Kenyans encroaching into wildlife territories," he said.

According to the latest statistics presented by Wakhungu, the forest cover rise from 6.9 per cent to 7.24 due to efforts initiated by the ministry.

"We have been working closely with communities and we now have 30 associations that help us safeguard our wildlife areas," Wakhungu said and added that Kenya prides itself as the only country in Africa that has a Climate Act.