The government has added climate change to the list of threats to national security in Kenya.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki on Friday said climate change will now be categorized among other national security threats including terrorism, banditry, and religious extremism.

CS Kindiki, who spoke in Saku, Marsabit County, argued that in a span of one month, Kenya has lost 258 people to floods caused by the nationwide heavy rains, a figure similar to people killed in terrorist attacks that have previously occurred in the country.

“Climate change is now categorised as a national security threat alongside terrorism, banditry and livestock rustling, cultural and religious extremism and the manufacture, sale and abuse of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs,” he said.

“In one month, the country has lost 258 people to floods, almost the total number of people killed in all terrorism attacks that have occurred in the country.”

Prof. Kindiki underscored the importance of protecting the environment in a bid to combat climate change in the country.

As part of the measures by the government, Kindiki directed all the people living in government forests and riparian reserves to vacate immediately.

“We must reclaim our environment by growing enough trees for ecological sustainability. All persons living in government forests must vacate immediately, including those who have acquired title deeds irregularly and unlawfully,” he stated.

“All persons residing contiguous to riparian reserves and corridors must vacate and those who decline will be forcefully evicted.”

The Interior boss said water corridors such as rivers will remain a restricted area for constructing residences and business premises within a 30-metre radius.