National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) have been directed to spearhead tree planting in their locations to support the government’s target of attaining 30 per cent forest cover by 2032.
Western Regional Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru said every chief will access at least 3000 tree seedlings to plant in their location’s public places, government institutions, schools among other places in partnership with area residents.
The programme which started on 14th this month is set to continue with each of the 305 chiefs from the region expected to have led the planting of at least 900 trees by next week.
“The National Administration will coordinate all government agencies within the region together with members of the public to ensure we participate in tree planting. I want to urge residents to be part of the tree planting exercise to ensure our region has enough trees,” he said.
The Regional Commissioner also directed all road construction departments to always plant trees whenever they construct roads.
“During road constructions, Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority should plant trees on the sides of the road in order to beautify our roads through the Corporate Social Responsibility,” he noted.
Western Regional Conservator of Forest Rose Akombo said the region has a tree cover of 20.64 per cent.
She appealed to citizens to join the efforts in planting trees and protecting against their destruction.
“Let’s not destroy the environment which has many benefits to us, if we destroy we shall perish. If we destroy trees we shall have contributed towards low agricultural productivity, lack of water which will affect electricity generation among other negative effects,” she noted.
By Moses Wekesa and Rose Adelaide
