Murang’a: Water sector stakeholders have intensified efforts to safeguard the country’s water resources through a tree-planting initiative that saw more than 400 Hass avocado seedlings planted at Rurii Primary School in Murang’a County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise was conducted under the WASPA/Equity Bank Tree Planting Initiative during the Water Services Providers Association (WASPA) Bi-Monthly Meeting hosted by Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco). The meeting brought together water service providers from across the country to deliberate on innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at improving water service delivery and reducing non-revenue water.
Speaking during the event, Muwasco Managing Director Eng. Daniel Ng’ang’a said the initiative is aligned with the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 and is intended to contribute towards increasing tree cover while promoting environmental conservation. Ng’ang’a emphasized the multiple benefits provided by fruit trees, including environmental restoration, food security, and income generation, while helping communities appreciate the importance of conserving natural resources.
WASPA Chairman Thomas Odongo stressed that water utilities have a direct responsibility in environmental conservation because the sustainability of water services depends on the protection of water catchment areas and other natural resources. Odongo noted that environmental degradation continues to threaten water availability across the country, making tree planting and ecosystem restoration critical interventions in securing water resources for future generations.
Murang’a Equity Bank Manager Ken Irungu highlighted that the initiative seeks to deliver both environmental and economic benefits to communities by promoting the planting of fruit trees. Irungu added that involving schools in the programme would not only enhance environmental awareness among learners but also help them appreciate the value of sustainable agricultural practices.
Rurii Primary School Headteacher Rosa Ndirangu expressed gratitude to Muwasco, WASPA, and Equity Bank for selecting the school to benefit from the initiative and pledged that the institution would take responsibility for nurturing the seedlings. The tree planting exercise was marked by active participation from pupils, teachers, and stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.
The initiative forms part of ongoing national efforts to increase tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and mitigate the effects of climate change while promoting food security and sustainable livelihoods in communities across the country.
