Murang’a:Murang’a County is gearing up for the upcoming Mazingira Day celebrations with a major initiative to plant 200,000 tree seedlings in one hour. This effort is part of a national environmental restoration drive, aiming to mobilize approximately 6,700 people.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county has designated around 100 hectares of land for this massive tree-planting exercise. Key planting sites include areas owned by Delmonte and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
During the launch of Mazingira Week at Murang’a University of Technology, County Commissioner Hassan Bule highlighted that the week-long activities will involve a collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, private organizations, and communities. The focus will be on increasing tree cover and promoting environmental conservation.
Bule outlined that activities would encompass tree planting in various locations such as schools, highways, and farms, along with a town clean-up to encourage proper waste management and maintain clean public spaces. The activities will culminate on October 10, with Murang’a joining other counties in a synchronized tree-growing exercise aiming for six million seedlings planted nationwide within one hour.
The initiative is part of Kenya’s broader goal to increase its tree cover to 30% by 2032 and includes a target of planting 15 billion trees by then. Bule emphasized the need for coordination among participating organizations to achieve the planting target efficiently.
Murang’a University of Technology Vice Chancellor Prof. Dickson Nyariki expressed the university’s commitment to supporting the initiative by mobilizing staff and students. He stressed the importance of continuous environmental conservation efforts to combat climate change.
Engineer Peter Karenju from Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company highlighted the necessity of protecting forests, rivers, and water catchment areas, noting their crucial role in water regulation and soil protection. He advocated for prioritizing tree planting in these areas to ensure sustainable water access for residents.
The upcoming exercise on October 10 provides Murang’a with a chance to contribute significantly to national environmental goals while bolstering local efforts in environmental protection and water resource management. Tree-growing activities are set to continue beyond Mazingira Week in various sectors across the county.
