In a significant move towards environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, a comprehensive tree planting exercise was held at Nyanturago Swamp in Kisii County, led by Senior Deputy Secretary (SDS)-Administration at the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hezron Nyamberi.
The event forms part of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy’s larger commitment to plant 10 million trees this year, with a target of 5 million trees in Kisii County and an additional 5 million in Nandi County.
The Ministry’s tree planting efforts in Kisii are part of a broader environmental conservation agenda aimed at addressing land degradation and restoring critical ecological zones. Nyanturago Swamp, a government reserve previously utilized by local communities for cattle grazing, has been identified as a key focus area due to its strategic importance in the region’s environmental balance.
However, the success of the program hinges on the community involvement and commitment to nurturing the seedlings once they are planted, a point that Nyamberi underscored in his address.
Nyamberi expressed the government’s deep concern over the pilferage that has plagued previous tree planting efforts in Nyanturago.
He said that during the four prior planting sessions conducted by the Ministry and its partners, many seedlings had been uprooted by locals, severely hindering the progress that could have been achieved. He stressed that this was the fifth such event in the area, and urged the community to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival.
“We cannot continue like this. The government, alongside its partners, has invested enormous resources, both financial and human, to ensure that Nyanturago Swamp is restored to its natural state. The benefits of this project will not only be felt by the environment but also by you, the people who live here. It is your responsibility to protect these seedlings, to nurture them, and to help them grow into the trees that will secure your future,” said the SDS.
Nyamberi urged residents to understand that their actions, whether positive or negative, have a direct impact on the environment and their livelihoods.
“The consequences of tampering with the environment are severe, and they do not choose who to affect. Whether you are rich or poor, the environment will respond to how we treat it. If we continue to destroy it, it will destroy us in return. But if we take care of it, it will take care of us and our future generations,” he said.
The Administrator made it clear that the government could only do so much in terms of policy, funding, and mobilization. The true success of the initiative depends on the active participation and goodwill of the local communities. He reminded residents that their actions today would determine the quality of life for their children and grandchildren.
“Once these seedlings grow into mature trees, they will improve your lives in ways you might not even realize now. They will provide shade, clean air, water retention, and even the opportunity for economic activities like beekeeping. It is your duty, as the people who stand to benefit most from this project, to protect these trees and ensure their survival,” he added.
To reinforce this message, Nyamberi announced that the Ministry, together with local leaders, the county government, and the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO), would establish a committee to investigate the reasons behind the uprooting of seedlings and to devise sustainable solutions.
Kisii County Forest Conservator Safari Opiyo also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of the tree planting exercise and calling on residents to embrace environmental stewardship. In a poignant reminder, Mr. Opiyo spoke about the spiritual and moral responsibility of protecting God’s creation, urging locals to see tree planting as an act of faith and duty.
“God created trees with a purpose. They are part of His design for the earth, to sustain life, and to provide for all His creations. When we destroy trees, we are going against His intention. We must respect and care for what God has given us, not destroy it,” Mr. Opiyo said.
He explained that tree seedlings take years to grow in nurseries before they can be transplanted, underscoring the time and effort invested in their production.
“This is not just about planting a tree. It’s about ensuring that it grows into something that will serve us all. The process takes time and patience, and every time a seedling is uprooted, it’s not just money that is wasted, but also years of work and preparation,” he added.
The Forest Conservator urged the community to take advantage of the current rainy season to plant more trees, both at Nyanturago and in their homesteads. He emphasized that trees are a renewable resource that, if properly cared for, can provide a wide range of benefits, from improving soil fertility to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Nyaribari Chache Sub- County Administrator Erick Osoro weighed in on the issue of seedling theft calling for stricter enforcement measures to prevent future destruction of seedlings. He encouraged the community to report any incidents of vandalism, noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
“Seedling theft not only sets us back in terms of progress, but it also wastes resources that could have been used to develop other areas. We need to come together as a community and stop this practice. Those caught vandalizing the trees should face legal consequences,” said Mr. Osoro.
He introduced the idea of promoting eco-friendly economic activities, such as beekeeping, which can thrive in the presence of healthy forests. By supporting such ventures, the community can generate income while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of the environment.
Other officials present at the event were, National Youth Chairperson Cedrick Otieno, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) regional coordinator for Western and Nyanza Teddy Evans, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Maina Ngunyi, Sameta Deputy County Commissioner Moses Muyuri among others.
They all voiced their support for the tree planting initiative. They all agreed that community involvement and collaboration between government agencies and residents would be critical to the success of the project.
A total of 1500 trees were planted.
By Misheba Alfred
