Kwale: Some 2800 fruit tree seedlings have been planted in Kwale county to mark this year’s Mazingira Day. The fruit tree planting exercise at Mavirivirini Primary School in Mwavumbo Ward, Samburu Sub-County of Kwale was led by Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Orinde. The countrywide tree planting campaign took place under the theme ‘Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship’.
According to Kenya News Agency, this year the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry urged all Kenyans to trace their primary school roots to donate and help in planting fruit trees on Mazingira Day, marked annually on October 10. The national government has set a target of 100 million fruit trees planted annually, translating into a budget of Sh1 trillion over three years.
Deputy Governor Kombo stated that the devolved government remains committed to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable water for all. Kombo encouraged area residents to not only use Mazingira Day for tree planting but also make it a habit throughout the year, highlighting the essential role trees play in absorbing carbon dioxide and protecting water catchment areas.
‘Since the national government directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2030, Kwale County has planted over 600,000 seedlings,’ said Kombo. During the event, he urged residents, particularly those from arid and semi-arid areas of Samburu, Kinango, and LungaLunga sub-counties, to take the tree-planting initiative seriously to curb the adverse climatic changes affecting the area.
The initiative aims to restore degraded land and improve the livelihoods of local communities. ‘We have to change the narrative of our land, not just by planting trees but by growing fruit trees that will help us grow economically,’ Kombo added.
Orinde emphasized the collaboration between the national and county governments in addressing climate and environmental concerns for the benefit of Kenyans. He urged residents to be intentional in planting and caring for tree seedlings, stressing that trees help in fighting climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Kenya is facing an environmental crisis due to global warming, necessitating collective action to combat the adverse effects of climate change. The choice of fruit trees by the government was intentional, providing both environmental benefits and a sustainable income source for the people. ‘Let each one of us plant and nurture at least a tree not just for ourselves, but for our environment and posterity,’ said Orinde.
