Embu:Over 200,000 tree seedlings were planted across Embu County on Saturday to commemorate this year’s Mazingira Day, marking a significant step towards environmental conservation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku led the initiative, encouraging locals to support the country’s greening and conservation agenda. At the main event held at Jeremiah Nyaga National Polytechnic in Mbeere South Constituency, Ruku, alongside hundreds of community groups, institutions, and local residents, planted 20,000 seedlings within the institution.
The county-wide conservation effort also focused on other crucial ecological and institutional sites, including Mwea National Game Reserve and Mugoya Regional Police Headquarters, which saw the planting of 100,000 and 50,000 tree seedlings, respectively. Additionally, 30,000 seedlings were planted within Irangi Forest and the adjacent Nyayo Tea Zone to enhance reforestation efforts.
CS Ruku emphasized the importance of tree planting and nurturing in achieving the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. He highlighted that active participation from residents and Kenyans nationwide is essential to reach this target, noting that while 2.2 billion trees have been grown so far, representing about 15 percent of the goal, continued efforts are necessary.
Embu County Forest Conservator Elizabeth Muthoni stated that the county’s current tree cover stands at 29.2 percent, surpassing the national average of 12.13 percent as reported by the Kenya Forest Service. She expressed plans to increase this to 30 percent by 2030 to meet national objectives and combat climate change. Additionally, Muthoni announced the impending launch of a fruit tree growing campaign, noting that 100,000 avocado fruit trees have been allocated for the initiative, covering approximately 23 hectares of agroforestry.
