Government officials in Turkana County joined teachers and students of David Lee Lee Adventist Nagis secondary school in planting 1,500 tree seedlings in line with the government agenda of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
County Commissioner Julius Kavita represented interior cabinet secretary Prof Kindiki Kithure who was expected to be the chief guest.
He was accompanied by County executive committee members for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources and Climate Change Leah Audan and her Public Service, Administration, and Disaster Management counterpart Wangiros James.
The county commissioner commended the school management for ensuring the discipline exhibited by the students and embracing tree growing initiative.
County executive committee members for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources and Climate Change Leah Audan said there was a shift from mere planting of tree seedlings to ensuring their growth.
Audan noted that the county has been affected by climate change as witnessed in floods and drought and called on all residents to embrace tree growing.
County forest conservator Richard Guya emphasized the need for nurturing trees to maturity.
“The essence of tree growing is planting the trees, protecting them against livestock destruction and ensuring they are watered to maturity,’’ Guya reiterated.
He added that the 15 billion tree growing program also involves growing fruit trees to address food security as well as meet nutrition needs of the communities.
Grafted mango tree seedlings, guava and custard apple trees will also be grown in the school.
The conservator at the same time rooted for conservation of the existing trees across the county saying felling the trees would reduce tree coverage.
“Let us get alternative sources of livelihoods to ensure we conserve and protect our livelihoods,” he added.
A Form one student, Rebbeca Okaya said she had so far planted four trees and pledged to ensure they grow to maturity by the time she complete her four years stay at the school.
Her sentiments were echoed by Nikor Brani Matesa a form two student who has planted two tree seedlings and pledged to protect and water them to maturity.
By Peter Gitonga
