Accra:Kirinyaga Kirinyaga County successfully planted 114,130 tree seedlings in activities leading to and during this year’s Mazingira Day, as part of efforts toward environmental conservation and meeting the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
According to Kenya News Agency, the celebrations took place at Thiba Dam and other locations across the county, involving government officials, environmental organizations, farmers, community members, and other stakeholders. These events aimed to promote landscape restoration and sustainable land management.
The main ceremony was attended by Kihara Ndung’u, Director at the State Department of Forestry, along with a representative of the County Commissioner. Key participants included the National Environment Management Authority, the County Government of Kirinyaga, Kenya Red Cross, the Girl Guides Association of Kenya, Rainforest Alliance, the Mount Kenya Sustainable Landscape Management Board, and the National Irrigation Authority.
During the event, Ndung’u emphasized the government’s dedication to restoring degraded landscapes and achieving the national goal of 15 billion trees by 2032. He encouraged Kenyans to engage in tree planting, especially through farm forestry and agroforestry, stressing the importance of collective efforts.
Ndung’u also mentioned plans to aid farmers through agroforestry initiatives, such as providing fruit tree seedlings. He praised Kirinyaga County for its preparation and collaboration with stakeholders, highlighting the importance of public participation.
The county planted 36,074 seedlings in activities from October 1 to 9 and an additional 78,056 on October 10, totaling 114,130 seedlings. Despite the challenges of heavy rain and low community turnout, the county plans to continue tree-planting activities to meet its target of 250,000 seedlings.
