Garissa County Commissioner Boaz Cherutich has urged the national government administrative officers together with the residents in Garissa to join efforts in planting of trees during this rain season.
Speaking at the Balambala Sub County deputy county commissioner’s office where he led a tree planting exercise, Cherutich further urged the residents to take care of the trees planted by watering them and keeping the livestock away.
“The president has directed that we must start to plant trees especially during this rainy season. I want to also direct all the Assistant County Commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs to join this effort. We will receive seedlings from the National Youth Service and the Kenya Forest Service so that we increase the forest cover to at least 12 per cent by 2030,” Cherutich said.
“Our DCCs, ACCs and chiefs will start to identify areas in their jurisdictions where the trees will be planted and mobilize the community members to plant more trees,” he added.
The administrator said that government institutions, primary and secondary schools will also be involved in the tree planting programme.
Cherutich further called on the Non-Governmental Organizations in the county to join hands with the government and help in planting more trees so that the country can mitigate the effects of climate change.
He put on notice those who are involved in charcoal burning warning that severe action will be taken against those found irregularly cutting down trees.
“We have directed that all irregular cutting of trees be stopped immediately. We know that there are some areas where some people are cutting down trees for charcoal burning and we will work with the KFS to effect this directive,” he said.
By Erick Kyalo
