The National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) on Friday conducted a tree planting exercise in collaboration with the Kenya Prisons Service at Kamiti Medium Prison in Kiambu County.
The exercises saw a total of 2,000 indigenous seedlings being planted in line with the government’s vision of combating climate change by planting 15 billion trees by 2032, a move set to increase the forest cover in the country.
The NCRC Director, Dr. Mutuma Tureere, and his team, together with the Kenya prison Regional Commander, Bison Madegwa, and Kamiti prison wardens, all joined forces with the locals in planting trees that are well suited to the region’s climate.
In his speech, NCRC director explained the relationship between environmental health and societal well-being, as it is the main mandate of the centre, including carrying out research into the causes of crime, preventing and disseminating the research findings, and making recommendations to government agencies concerned with the administration of criminal justice.
“Statistics from the Centre consistently show that environmental degradation often correlates with increased social challenges, including crime; therefore, by investing in a greener environment, we are not only enhancing the natural beauty of our nation but also fostering safer and healthier communities,” said Dr Mutuma.
The NCRC director cited that the aim of the state corporation is to plant 30 trees per every staff member before the end of the year.
“This initiative is a crucial step in implementing the presidential directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2032; this is expected to increase forest and tree cover from 12% to 30%, restoring our ecological integrity, strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change, and fostering tree-growing culture among Kenyans.” read part of NCRC Director’s speech
He added that the tree plantation exercise offers a unique opportunity for his staff members to learn about environmental conservation, the importance of trees in mitigating climate change, and the significance of preserving biodiversity.
“To the Kenya Prisons Service fraternity and employees of NCRC, your presence signifies a collective commitment to safeguarding our environment, which, in turn, contributes to the overall well-being and safety of our society,” said Mutuma.
In his part, Kenya Prisons Regional Commander lauded NCRC for sponsoring the initiative and urged everyone to continue supporting environmental conservation efforts in their own capacities.
“Let us be vigilant custodians of our natural heritage and advocates for sustainable practices by contributing significantly to the goal of growing 15 billion trees and restoring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial and marine ecosystems,” said Regional Commander Madegwa.
The NCRC is a state corporation under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration established by an Act of Parliament, National Crime Research Centre Act No. 4 of 1997 Laws of Kenya.
The Centre is mandated to carry out research into the causes of crime and its prevention and to disseminate the research findings and recommendations to government agencies concerned with the administration of criminal justice, NCRC’s stakeholders, and the public.
By Grace Naishoo
