Marsabit:Leaders in Marsabit County are calling on residents, government institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance environmental conservation efforts, particularly through tree planting and ensuring their growth to maturity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the appeal was made during the Mazingira Day celebrations held at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camp in Karare, Marsabit Central Sub-County. Marsabit Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Kiloi led a tree-planting exercise at the event, which emphasized the theme ‘Our Environment, Our Responsibility Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.’ The gathering included security agencies, government officials, and environmental stakeholders.
Kiloi noted the selection of the KDF camp as the venue was due to its capacity to care for the seedlings, with available resources such as water and personnel. This initiative is part of a larger effort across Marsabit County’s 13 sub-counties to increase tree cover and support the national tree-growing campaign.
Marsabit County Forest Conservator Kenneth Muthuri highlighted the national government’s intensified efforts, with over two billion trees planted countrywide since the program’s inception. Marsabit has contributed by planting approximately 100,000 trees, despite environmental challenges. Muthuri stressed the importance of new initiatives and partnerships to accelerate tree growth and meet national environmental targets.
KDF 8 MIB Commander Brigadier Edward W. Banda emphasized the significance of Mazingira Day for renewing commitment to environmental protection and supporting the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. He reported the Defence Forces’ contribution of planting around 53,000 trees and acknowledged the essential benefits trees provide, such as clean air and preventing soil erosion.
Marsabit County Chief Officer for Environment Pauline Marleni praised the enthusiasm of stakeholders at the event and reiterated the county government’s commitment to working with partners to ensure the survival of planted trees. She encouraged organizations to utilize the Kenya Forest Service’s JazaMiti app for tracking tree-growing activities to establish accountability and monitor progress.
The celebrations concluded with a volleyball match, where the KDF team triumphed over the team of government officials and environmental stakeholders, winning by three sets to nil.
