Nyanza Regional Commissioner (RC) Florah Mworoa has called for intensified tree planting in the area to mitigate against climate change and control floods.
Mworoa said climate change was a reality, calling for concerted efforts to boost tree cover in the region as a long-term measure to deal with the effects of the phenomenon.
The phenomenon, she added, has left a trail of destruction in the area, citing the recent floods in Kisumu and drought that affected crop production in the area.
“We have all witnessed the effects of climate change within our region, particularly in the County of Kisumu, where we have had floods and some families are still not in their homes,” she said.
The flood’s menace, she added, would have been controlled if the environment was conserved through the planting of trees.
Her office, she said, was on course to deliver on targets toward the presidential directive on planting 15 billion trees by the year 2032 and called on the locals to join the bandwagon.
Speaking during the International Day of Museums celebrations in Kisumu, the RC called for the planting of the right trees at the right places to ensure their survival and to conserve the environment.
She said the theme of the celebrations, climate change, was timely, adding that the forum attended by students from different schools was critical to getting the message out of boardrooms to the community.
Kisumu National Museum partnered with the Horticulture Society of Kenya, the Kenya Forest Service, and other organizations to plant 100 indigenous trees at the facility to commemorate the day.
Speaking on the same occasion, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Culture and Heritage, Beatrice Odongo, said that plans were underway for the county government to take over the management of the Kisumu Museum.
She said the takeover, which is at an advanced stage, would bring a raft of changes to modernize the facility and attract visitors.
“The county attorney is in the process of drafting the agreement because there are certain functions that will remain with the National Museums of Kenya,” she said.
The International Day of Museums is commemorated on the 18th day of May every year to highlight the role of museums in serving society and fostering development.
By Levina Odongo and Yvette Obunga
