National Government officers and residents of Narok County have planted more than 100, 000 tree seedlings in the area since the year began.
However, Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde said the trees planted were less than their monthly target because of the prolonged dry spell that had hit the area.
“We have a target of planting about 270, 000 trees per month as a county. We will continue planting more trees especially this rainy season so that we can attain our target,” he said.
The commissioner spoke at the Olchoro area during a tree planting session that incorporated heads of department from the National Government and Narok Court Users.
During the function, over 2, 000 tree seedlings, mainly bamboo seedlings, were planted at the Olchoro River Catchment land.
Masinde asked residents to plant trees on the roadsides, individual farms and institutions like churches, schools and market places during this rainy season.
Narok Senior Resident Magistrate Adelaide Sisenda, who led the Narok Court Users reiterated the need to plant trees saying they conserve the environment and attract rainfall.
She challenged the residents to prioritize the agenda of planting trees in every forum they gather and teach their young children the importance of planting trees.
“When we gather for any meeting like women groups and other family meetings, please, let us have a session where we plant trees. We should make it a norm in the society in order to increase our forest cover,” she reiterated.
The Magistrate underscored the high penalties that come with destroying the environment saying apart from the fine that one will be forced to pay, he or she will be required to plant and tender over three tree seedlings to compensate for the one that was cut down.
“We will not allow some few individuals to destroy the work that we are doing. We cannot be planting trees and then others follow behind cutting down trees without a valid permit from Kenya Forest Service. Those with such intentions should be warned that the penalties are very stiff,” she said.
The security team led by County Police Commander John Kizito, Huduma center employees led by their manager Naserian Katampoi and tens of heads of departments were among the people that were present during the tree planting exercise.
The team will be moving to various parts of the county planting trees including the Maasai Mau forest and institutions.
Two weeks ago, the team planted over 2, 000 seedlings at the Etiang area in Olokurto ward.
By Ann Salaton
