It was pomp and color as ANAW launched her new Strategic Plan (2021 – 2025) at Michuki Memorial Park, in Nairobi, on June 23, 2021. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment and Forestry, Hon. Keriako Tobiko who graced the historic event urged ANAW to give recognition and prominence to women and the youth when implementing the new Strategic Plan.

“Women are the best protectors of natural resources; engage them. You must also locate the youth centrally within the implementation strategy for they have the energy and innovative minds to drive the positive change you seek in animal welfare and environmental conservation.” he said. “Again, I must applaud you for including environmental conservation in your strategy – this, is in a way, ‘trying to make peace with nature’ as recommended in United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP's) report ‘Making Peace with Nature’.” CS Tobiko added.

“As human beings we are the stewards and custodians of these animals – to tenderly care for them. To respect them. To protect them. And more importantly, to preserve them not just for ourselves but for our children and children’s children.” He further appealed.

To watch CS Tobiko’s full speech during the new Strategic Plan launch, click here

On his part, ANAW’s Executive Director, Mr. Josphat Ngonyo said that the key lesson learnt from the just ended Strategic Plan (2016-2020) was the interdependency and connectivity of animals, environment, and human health. “The new Strategic Plan has adopted One Health - One Welfare approach interconnecting animal welfare, human well-being, and the environment.” he said. “Moreover, the new strategy fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to improve environmental protection, human and animal welfare internationally for a better, greener, and sustainable world.” He emphasized. To watch Ngonyo’s full remarks, click here

Prof. Janet Rumfelt - President of the Board, ANAW-USA in her congratulatory message said, “I gladly acknowledge that ANAW achieved major strides during the just ended strategic period and I am happy to note that the new strategic plan promises to propel ANAW to a higher level in its work.” Here is Janet’s congratulatory message to ANAW.

The Judiciary Training Institute (JTI) Director and Judge of Court of Appeal - Hon. Justice Kathurima M' Inoti, during his good-will message to ANAW said, “The centrality of the environment in our lives cannot be over-emphasized. I thank ANAW for including it in their strategy.” “Importantly, I thank ANAW for the continuous support in building capacity for Environment and Land Court (ELC) judges and magistrates through annual conferences.” He concluded. Here is Justice Kathurima’s remarks.

More than 50 guests attended the launch including; The UNEP, the Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), animal welfare and environmental conservation organizations among other ANAW partners and friends.

To watch the summary video clip of the entire Strategic Plan Launch, click here

Click here to watch individual remarks/speeches from key speakers