The Kenya Forestry Service and Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see the planting and adoption of mangrove trees along the 4000 kilometers coastal stretch.
Speaking after witnessing the signing of the MOU, Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) KeriakoTobiko said through the partnership between the two entities the entire coastal creek is set for mangrove trees cover in the 100 rapid results initiative (RRI).
CS Tobiko ordered for a speedy planting of mangroves along the coast region and assured that the government will fully support the project by adopting the area including planting more to cover the entire creek.
He directed his top officers in his Ministry to meet and work on actualising the 100 days RRI on the planting of mangroves on the designated 4000 hectares along the Kenyan coast.
The CS called on Kenyans to continue planting trees in efforts to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation in the country.
Tobiko praised the efforts by women and children who have continuously contributed to tree planting including the mangroves planted at Ganaola creek in Mikindani Mombasa.
Tobiko challenged Mikindani residents to venture in mangroves business by conserving them and eventually selling them saying that would earn them income thus improving their livelihoods.
The CS had led area residents in a series of mangrove planting at Sheikh Primary School among others culminating at Ganaola creek where he held a public baraza.
He observed that the government is keen on achieving a ten percent forest cover by 2020 from the current 7percent as directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. It is expected that every department within the government should commit 10 percent of its budget on environmental conservation.
By Joseph Kamolo
