Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi has challenged police officers to take the lead in the government’s tree planting campaign.
Speaking at Kitale Forest where he led the officers to plant 6500 trees, Oyagi stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the ambitious 11.9 million annual county target is achieved.
Bemoaning deforestation which has rendered sections of Kitale Forest without trees, Oyagi reminded the men in uniform the noble duty which awaits them in an effort to reclaim the Forest’s lost glory.
“Collaborative efforts between National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and other stakeholders has seen us plant 6500 trees today at Kitale Forest Block 4.
This is a noble duty all sectors need to embrace for us to achieve the 11.9 million annual target,” he said.
Urging local administrators to ensure government goals are achieved, Oyagi reminded the public that anyone found cutting and transporting timber without laid down procedures will be arrested and arraigned in court.
Trans Nzoia County Forest Conservator Eli Tinda applauded Kenya Prison Service for the supply of the planted tree seedlings and taking part in the preparation of the site.
“We have planted various indigenous trees species like; Meru oak, Croton Megalocarpus, Elgon Teak, Cordia Africana and Syzygium Guineans trees. These trees will assist in maintaining water supply and purification of air due to air pollution emanating from Kitale Town,” Tinda said.
He informed that plans have been put in place to bring on board the local community and relevant environment stakeholders with a motive of ensuring that 300 hectares of Kitale Forest Block 4 that has been degraded is restored.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment and Natural Resources Pepela Wanjala called upon residents living on the slopes of Mt Elgon and Cherangany water towers to desist from encroaching and destroying of forests along the water towers.
Representatives from Kenya Police Service, Kenya Prison Service, Administration Police, Kenya Wildlife Service and Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs from the county were present during the exercise.
By Elvis Nalu and Isaiah Nayika
