In a powerful demonstration of leadership on climate resilience and community advocacy, the Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly, Mohamed Roba Qoto, OGW, CSMP(R), M.ISMI, joined top national and regional leaders at a high-level climate action and environmental security forum led by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Shambani Spring, Isiolo.
The forum, held under the theme “Defending Kenya Against the Unseen Enemy That is Climate Change,” drew together an influential delegation, including Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal, Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, local leaders such as Burat Ward MCA Nicholas Lorot, Loyangalani MCA Daniel Emoji, and the KDF contingent led by Brigadier Arimi.
Speaker Roba, an advocate of constitutionalism and inclusive governance, delivered a compelling address focused on the intersection of environmental stewardship, legal rights, and sustainable development.
Quoting Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, he reaffirmed every Kenyan’s right to a clean and healthy environment.
He further emphasized the County Assembly’s mandate to provide legislative oversight on climate action, land use policy, and ecological protection in line with the County Governments Act.
Crucially, the Speaker used the platform to address the sensitive and longstanding land dispute between the KDF and residents of Burat Ward.
Citing a recent High Court ruling in favor of the community and the directive issued to the National Land Commission (NLC) to investigate historical injustices, Roba called for lawful, transparent, and inclusive processes in land conflict resolution.
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved in the absence of justice. Our people’s voices must be heard, their rights respected, and the rule of law upheld,” Roba declared, drawing attention to the need for balance between national security objectives and the rights of indigenous communities.
Commending the Kenya Defence Forces for its Environmental Soldier Program, the Speaker applauded the institution’s role in combating climate change beyond the battlefield.
He further reiterated Isiolo County’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to Kenya’s national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, framing reforestation not just as an ecological intervention, but as a strategic pillar of national resilience.
“As a House, we remain steadfast in enacting progressive legislation and holding stakeholders accountable in the collective mission to safeguard our environment and uplift our communities,” Roba asserted.
Under his stewardship, the Isiolo County Assembly continues to position itself as a beacon of climate governance and environmental justice, championing the interests of its citizens while aligning with national and global sustainability frameworks.
The event marked a notable convergence of military, political, and civic leadership, united in the cause of protecting Kenya’s fragile ecosystems and ensuring that development is rooted in justice, equity, and the rule of law.
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