NGPU November 13, 2023

Nakuru County leadership leads in Tree Planting exercise

Written by Jilopa K Ezra

The importance of shifting from mere speeches on climate change to tangible climate action should be undertaken and each should take responsibility for the environment we live in.

Nakuru County Governor, H E Susan Kihika led residents in celebrating National Tree Planting Day at Rhino Campsite in Kabatini Ward, Bahati Sub-county. The county aims to plant approximately 300 million trees within the next decade.

“We are working with the national government to develop modalities that will not only empower the community but also ensure they directly benefit from the forest resources. Initiatives such as beekeeping and the cultivation of crops like maize within the forest area are being explored, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the community and the environment,” Governor Susan Kihika at the event.

The Governor was also represented by County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers in all sub-counties to encourage and rally the public to plant more trees and increase forest cover.

In Gilgil Sub-County, County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura and MP Martha Wangari led residents in planting 12,000 trees at Kenyatta Barracks, Kikopey Primary, and Lake Elementaita Sanctuary. Dr Mwaura noted that the county is working with the national government to develop strategies that empower the community and ensure they directly benefit from forest resources.

Education CECM, Zipporah Ngugi, also participated in tree planting efforts at Marioshoni Ward in Kiptunga Forest. In Naivasha Sub-county, Lands CECM John Kihagi oversaw the planting of over 2,000 trees, accompanied by Trade Chief Officers Samuel Ndegwa and Joyce Ncece, as well as Area MCA Alex Mbugua.

Sports CECM Josephine Achieng joined residents of Nakuru West Town Sub-county in planting 6,000 trees at the Giotto dumpsite.

In Kuresoi South, the Political Advisor to the Governor, Hon Joseph Kibore Rutto, led the tree planting exercise in the Sub County, accompanied by Chief Officer of Education John Koech and Keringet Ward MCA Hon William Mutai.

County Executive for Trade and Tourism, Stephen Kuria, led a team in planting 2,500 tree seedlings and another 2,000 indigenous broadcast seeding at Hyrax Hill Museum.

This effort is aligned with President William Ruto’s commitment to plant 15 billion tree seedlings by 2032, marking a crucial milestone in forest restoration and climate change mitigation.

The Deputy Governor also urged everyone to not just plant trees but to nurture and grow them. “We should not say tree planting but tree growing with the mind that we shall see these trees contributing to the climate action,” he emphasized.