Chiefs in Nyahururu have been tasked to encourage local residents to register with ‘Jaza Miti’ App to fast-track the presidential directive of establishing 15 billion trees in their area of jurisdiction.
Laikipia County Conservator of Forests, Peter Kariuki urged the residents to ensure they have registered once they have planted trees to upload the App to be recognised by the system.
Kariuki who was speaking early Friday at Manguo wetland in Nyahururu during a tree planting exercise, revealed that following the presidential directive on planting 15 billion trees Laikipia County has targeted to plant 37 million trees every year.
The Conservator called upon the local residents to own the target and work closely with the county government to ensure they achieve the target.
He appreciated the Ministry of Lands for the cordial working relationship that has seen establishment of trees in Manguo wetland, South Marmanet, Rumuruti among other areas reassuring the residents of continued working relationship to enhance forest cover in the county.
Kariuki urged the residents to set aside 10 percent of their land for trees which he said is beneficial not only for mitigating climate change but for commercial purposes through sale of fruits from fruit trees.
However, he urged the residents to desist from encroaching gazetted forests for firewood.
Laikipia County Secretary, Koinange Wahome lauded the national government for the tree planting program assuring of continued support and working closely with national government to ensure the county achieves its target.
Wahome appreciated the Ministry of Lands for the cordial working relationship which has seen establishment of trees in South Marmanet which he said 90 percent have survived and within the next few years will be a huge forest.
The County Secretary assured of providing care to the trees planted by deploying environment officers to man the trees against herders until they mature.
The County Secretary lauded the Ministry of Lands for initiating the process of issuance of title deeds to residents in Maina Estate who have been neglected by previous governments.
By Kimani Tirus
