Nairobi:The county of Nandi has embarked on an ambitious plan to plant 200,000 tree seedlings in a one-hour challenge as part of a week-long initiative to enhance forest cover and restore degraded landscapes.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Stephen Sang announced that the campaign, which began on Monday, will conclude with Mazingira Day celebrations on Saturday at Kimondi Forest. The county has organized various activities during the week, involving national and county government agencies, schools, communities, and other partners to promote environmental conservation.
The campaign was officially launched at Namgoi Mixed Senior School on Monday and will continue with tree-growing activities in institutions on Tuesday. A county-wide exercise in schools and other learning institutions is scheduled for Wednesday. On Thursday, efforts will focus on rehabilitating quarries and other degraded sites, followed by highway greening and beautification in Kapsabet and Nandi Hills towns on Friday. The main celebrations will take place at Kimondi Forest on Saturday.
Governor Sang emphasized the importance of moving conservation efforts beyond single-day events by engaging different community sectors. He highlighted that all schools and learning institutions in Nandi will participate in Wednesday’s campaign to instill a culture of conservation among young people and increase tree cover.
The event at Kimondi Forest will serve as the climax of the week, bringing together stakeholders for the one-hour challenge aimed at planting 200,000 seedlings. Sang encouraged residents to participate actively to help achieve President William Ruto’s goal of increasing Kenya’s tree cover to 30% by 2032.
County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Hillary Serem, urged residents to ensure the survival of the seedlings by taking responsibility for their care. He emphasized the importance of not just planting but nurturing the trees to grow.
Emgwen Deputy County Commissioner Atemi Elizabeth appealed to the youth to play an active role, noting that the benefits of tree planting would benefit future generations. She encouraged young people to participate in large numbers for the sake of posterity.
The campaign includes participation from the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Red Cross, Nature Kenya, Save the Children, Green Belt Movement, and other partners, all united under the theme of environmental restoration and tree growing.
