Murang’a: The presidential directive of achieving 30 per cent forest cover by planting 15 billion trees by 2032 has continued to gain momentum across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, supported by the ongoing above-average rainfall, the need to restore nature’s balance by combating the effects of climate change has seen a collaboration between non-governmental organisations, parastatals, County and National governments champion the planting and growing of trees.
In Murang’a County, the Women in Climate Change Organization (WICCO), in conjunction with personnel from the Kenya Army Corps of Signals and CISMIC Kahawa Barracks, participated in an exercise that saw the planting of 10,000 tree seedlings on Gaichanjiru Primary/Secondary School’s 10-acre piece of land.
WICCO Chairperson and Murang’a County Assembly Environment Committee Chair Diana Muthoni emphasized the responsibility of every person to conserve the environment. She highlighted the consequences of environmental neglect, urging individu
als to plant and nurture more trees, even at home, to potentially earn a livelihood in the future.
Muthoni stressed the importance of planting indigenous and medicinal trees for their benefits to community health, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability.
Eunice Njoroge, Murang’a County Forest Conservator, stated that the county aims to plant 1.34 million trees by 2032. She encouraged the public to not only plant but also grow trees, ensuring the use of quality seedlings available at tree nurseries and Kenya Forest Services (KFS) nurseries.
Njoroge offered technical advice to farmers and tree growers through KFS offices and mentioned that over 2 million seedlings are available for those seeking guidance on species suitable for specific needs.
Bernard Kariuki, Deputy County Secretary, Murang’a county, reiterated the urgency of addressing climate change effects, calling on every Kenyan to conserve the environment as a patriotic duty.
Medicinal trees planted during the exercise included Prunus Af
ricana, Warburgia ugandensis, and Croton megalocarpus, known for their health benefits, alongside other exotic tree species.