Kisii:Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba led a tree planting exercise at Nyangweta Forest in Etago Sub County as part of this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event concluded 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’.
CS Ogamba stated that the effort is part of a government initiative to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. He praised the Kisii community for reaching a 26.4 percent tree cover and encouraged them to aim for a 30 percent target. The Ministry of Education is actively involving students from primary to tertiary institutions in tree planting activities.
Ogamba also acknowledged the contributions of Kisii University, Kisii National Polytechnic, and other education stakeholders for their role in the tree planting initiative. He noted that such activities could generate carbon credits and fund government projects while aiding environmental conservation.
William Ojijo, Kisii Forest Conservator, highlighted the ecological importance of Nyangweta Forest, mentioning its role as a habitat for wildlife, and its potential for recreational activities, bird watching, and ecotourism. He explained its significance as a water ecosystem feeding into Gogo Falls through River Gucha and Kenyanya distribution, where hydroelectric power is generated. During the event, 5,000 tree seedlings were planted as part of the presidential campaign.
Kisii University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ogechi reported that the university planted 41,000 trees this year, against an annual target of 130,000. The previous year, they planted 135,000 trees, a feat achieved through collaboration with government bodies. Prof. Ogechi emphasized the importance of community involvement in planting and nurturing trees to maturity for effective environmental conservation.
The government has designated seven planting streams during the National Mazingira Week, with a target of planting 17.24 million seedlings valued at approximately Sh172.24 billion over ten years.
