Kisii:Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba led the Mazingira Day celebrations in Kisii with a tree planting exercise at Nyangweta Forest in Etago Sub County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event marked the conclusion 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’. The initiative is part of the government’s broader campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
CS Ogamba commended the residents of Kisii for reaching a 26.4 percent tree cover and encouraged efforts to achieve a 30 percent target. The Ministry of Education promotes tree planting through student involvement from primary to tertiary institutions. Ogamba also praised Kisii University, Kisii National Polytechnic, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the tree-planting efforts.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that these initiatives could generate carbon credits and fund various government projects while supporting environmental conservation. Kisii Forest Conservator William Ojijo emphasized Nyangweta Forest’s ecological significance, noting its role as a habitat for wildlife and its potential for recreation and ecotourism. Ojijo explained that the forest is a crucial water ecosystem, feeding Gogo Falls through River Gucha and Kenyanya distribution, where hydroelectric power is generated.
Ojijo reported that 5000 tree seedlings were planted to celebrate Mazingira Day, aligning with the presidential goal of growing 15 billion trees. Kisii University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ogechi stated that the university planted 41,000 trees this year, with a target of 130,000. The institution’s progress, including planting 135,000 trees last financial year, is due to collaborations with government departments and agencies.
Prof. Ogechi urged the community to plant and nurture trees to maturity, emphasizing that community involvement is vital for environmental conservation. The government allocated seven planting streams during National Mazingira Week, aiming to plant 17.24 million seedlings across these streams, valued at approximately Sh172.24 billion over ten years.
