The massive destruction caused by the deadly floods in various parts of the country is as a result of human-caused activities thus the need to rethink our ways in a bid to mitigate climate change challenges.
This was reiterated Friday by State Department for Petroleum Principal Secretary, Mohammed Liban who observed that given that the country is experiencing extreme weather patterns, there was need to embrace and make tree planting exercise an all-time individual responsibility.
Through this according to him, the effort will go a long way in ensuring that the effects of climate change are reduced as well as reduce the negative impact of human activities to the environment that has resulted to floods, drought, pollution, deforestation, posed various health risks among others.
Liban who was speaking at a tree planting exercise in Koibatek forest in Molo sub-county that was also organized to commemorate the flood victims, emphasized on the need for scaling up the planting of tree seedlings and sustain their growth through close monitoring and this will enable the locals to account for their contribution towards the planting of the 15 billion trees by 2032.
The PS further urged the locals not to plant trees only when a presidential directive is issued but embrace it as a culture that will be nurtured even by the generations to come.
Geothermal Development Company (GDC) chairman, Walter Nyambati shared similar sentiments with the PS advising the locals to actively take part in tree planting that will help the future generation in having a better environment.
The state department of Petroleum has a target of planting 30 million trees; a responsibility shared among the two state departments (Energy and Petroleum) and the 11 parastatals including GDC and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Among other officials present during the function include the GDC CEO, Paul Ngugi, forester in charge of Koibatek forest, Henry Ng’ang’a, area DCC Ngura Mwamachi, Koibatek Sub-County Police Commander, Felician Nafula, area legislator, Kimani Kuria among others.
Over 3000 tree seedlings were planted Friday with a target of planting 1.3 million tree seedlings annually.
By Emily Kadzo and Joseph Mwaura
