Scale up planting of tree seedlings, PS urges counties

Eldoret water and sewerage company planting trees at Kaptagat forest on June 19, 2022. [File, Standard]

Principal Secretary for Climate Change and Forestry Gitonga Mugambi has urged counties to scale up the planting of tree seedlings to enable the government to achieve its 30 per cent forest cover target.

Mugambi who led stakeholders in restoration campaigns of Kabolet forest in Trans Nzoia County said active involvement of the counties is critical in attaining the national goal of forest cover.

He said the government is committed to increasing forest cover from 12 per cent to 30 per cent in the next 10 years.

During the exercise, over 10,000 seedlings were planted. To achieve the 15 billion tree seedlings by 2032, the PS encouraged counties to enhance the campaigns.

The PS asked the Trans Nzoia county administration to support planting 11.9 million tree seedlings annually to reach the National target.

The PS said Trans Nzoia County needs to plant over 3.8 million during this coming rainy season in support of the National government program.

"Our people should know that we no longer plant trees, but instead we grow trees, by planting and taking care of the trees," he said.

He discouraged residents around the Kapolet forest from disengaging from activities that destroyed the forest, a key water tower.

Mugambi explained the benefits of conservation of the forest, such as climate change mitigation and carbon trading.

Alex Lemarkoko, the Chief Conservator of Forests, said the government plans to plant 15 billion trees in the next 15 years, with the Kenya Forest Service leading the effort.

He said wananchi will be given controlled access to the forest in partnership with the Community, and only in the area where exotic trees have been planted.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya called on residents to plant trees and help reach the county's forest cover target.

"We are planting these trees as part of our proactive efforts towards environmental conservation and the earned income," he said.

He emphasised the importance of individual and collective responsibility in securing a greener future. He told residents to actively engage in tree planting and contribute to the rehabilitation of degraded natural forests within gazetted forests and water towers.

The governor commended the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for distributing seedlings to residents. "This is helping the county progress towards its forest cover target," he said.

The governor announced plans to employ youth through the Kazi Mashinani initiative to safeguard the newly planted trees and protect the environment.

Under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action programme, Natembeya said he would integrate more residents and support them in establishing tree nurseries.

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