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In line with the government's goal to attain fifty per cent of forest cover by 2050, Mozzart Bet country manager Sasa Krneta led a battery of stakeholders involved in planning and sponsoring the 13th edition of the Re-discover Nandi Road race in planting trees on Saturday.
The exercise carried out at the Nandi Bears Club was in line with this year's theme; 'Efforts to Support Green Economy and Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change Risks'.
Krneta whose office boosted the local organizing committee with three million shillings underscored the significance of concerted efforts in conserving the environment by planting trees.
"We are proud to be sponsoring and to be associated with the race for the second year in a row. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, we have been sinking wells in different parts of the country, supporting sporting activities, and the health sector among other areas. I am happy that efforts by the organizers of the race and the local community in conserving the environment, an area we also have interest in, " he said.
Krneta was joined by the Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Dr Andrew Tuimur who also participated in the tree planting exercise.
Tuimur called on stakeholders to join hands and help replenish the depleted forest cover and preserve water catchment areas.
"It is impressive to see the organizers of this race put emphasis on environment conservation. They are racing from the front as far as creating awareness is concerned. It is important for everyone to be on board for the country to improve its forest cover. It is equally imperative to incorporate the young ones in this noble exercise for the sake of prosperity, " he said.
Tuimur's sentiments were echoed by the Chief Executive Officer, National Environment Complaints Committee Dr Ben Chuma who called on the local community to embrace the habit of tree planting.
" Nandi is a rich water catchment area that ought to be preserved by all means. We have seen the effects of encroachment to catchment areas and Nandi or any other source shouldn't go that route. The answer to a clean environment is planting trees," he said.
The race will go down on Sunday with the registered athletes covering ten kilometres from Kapsasur Forest to Namgoi Mixed Secondary School.
The winners of the race will pocket Sh80,000 with the runners-up taking home Sh60,000. Third place finishers will get Sh50,000 from Mozzart Bet, who have committed to also reward the top ten athletes from either category.