The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in partnership with the county government of Kisii has begun substituting eucalyptus trees with indigenous and fruit trees that provide high-value products.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day of Forests held at Nyanturago Wetland, the County Forest Conservator, Mr. Wellington Ndaka said they are going to systematically uproot the eucalyptus trees within river lines and water shades in a regulated manner.
Ndaka asked eucalyptus tree farmers not to panic, but instead work together with KFS so that the process is conducted in a way that does not hurt the farmers or the economy.
Kisii County had earlier on issued a directive for farmers to uproot the high water-consuming eucalyptus trees as part of protecting the water sources in the county.
The County Forest Conservator noted that Kisii County has a forest cover of 15.06 percent and has surpassed the nationwide target of 10 percent, therefore, they are aiming at reaching 30 percent by 2030 as part of the Presidential directive of planting 15 billion trees.
He pointed out that the county had planted a total of 18,700 trees in Nyanturago wetland, Kisii National Polytechnic, and other primary schools to commemorate the International Day of Forests.
“This will go a long way in providing carbon sink and also realize multiple benefits of environmental services and goods,” Ndaka added.
Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Mr. Ronald Nyakweba lauded KFS for their determination in the conservation of Nyanturago wetland saying the county government is also keen on ensuring that the wetland is conserved.
Nyakweba said the county administration in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service will support the fencing of the area to prevent further encroachment of the wetland by the local residents.
By Mercy Osongo
