Kisii:Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba spearheaded the Mazingira Day celebrations in Kisii by leading a tree planting exercise at Nyangweta Forest in Etago Sub County. This event marked the culmination of Mazingira Week, which ran from October 5th to October 10th, under the theme ‘Our environment, our responsibility collective action for tree growing and environmental stewardship’.
According to Kenya News Agency, CS Ogamba emphasized that the tree planting initiative is part of the government’s extensive campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. He praised the residents of Kisii for achieving a 26.4 percent tree cover and encouraged them to strive towards a 30 percent target. Ogamba also highlighted the Ministry of Education’s commitment to involving students in tree planting activities from primary to tertiary educational levels.
The CS acknowledged the efforts of Kisii University, Kisii National Polytechnic, and other educational stakeholders for their contributions to the tree planting exercise. He noted that these initiatives could help generate carbon credits and support various government projects while promoting environmental conservation.
Kisii Forest Conservator William Ojijo stated that Nyangweta Forest serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife and offers opportunities for recreational activities, bird watching, and ecotourism. Ojijo explained that the forest is an essential ecosystem that feeds Gogo Falls through River Gucha and Kenyanya distribution, where hydroelectric power is generated. He also mentioned the planting of 5,000 tree seedlings as part of the Mazingira Day celebrations, aligning with the presidential campaign to grow 15 billion trees.
Kisii University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ogechi reported that the university had planted 41,000 trees this year, with an annual target of 130,000. In the last financial year, the institution planted 135,000 trees through collaboration with government departments and agencies. Prof. Ogechi urged the community to continue planting and nurturing trees to maturity, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation.
The government established seven planting streams during the National Mazingira Week, targeting the planting of 17.24 million seedlings, valued at approximately Sh172.24 billion over ten years.
