Keynote speech summary by Rt Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi

Rt Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, EGH Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Kenya

The 18th Annual Planners’ Convention marks a significant milestone in the history of planning practice by addressing the critical issue of food security. The theme, ‘Planning Towards Sustainable Food Systems and Ecosystems Management: Realising a Food Secure Nation/Region,’ underscores the urgency of integrating planning into food systems for sustainability and resilience. Planning is intrinsically tied to ecosystem conservation, land use and climate adaptation, necessitating a robust legislative and policy framework to support sustainable development. Counties, as mandated planning authorities, must embrace innovative green practices, ensure adequate staffing of planners and formulate spatial and sectoral plans that secure food systems and enhance resilience for future generations.”