Amidst the ongoing long rains sweeping across Kenya, citizens are being encouraged to seize the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s green legacy by planting trees.
The call was made by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board chairman Titus Korir during the national launch of the long rainfall tree-growing campaign at Chepalungu forest station, Siongiroi block in Bomet County on Thursday.
Representing Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Korir emphasised the importance of this initiative in achieving the presidential target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
The event witnessed the planting of over 3,000 trees and the installation of electric fences covering a 22-kilometre stretch. Bomet County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar and Bomet County Forest Conservator Joseph Kingori were among the dignitaries present.
“We are here today for the launch of the tree planting season which marks the rollout of tree-growing activities for the March–April–May long rainfall season,” stated Korir, highlighting the theme for this season: “15 billion trees by 2032, wajibu wetu” (our responsibility).
Korir urged citizens to capitalise on the enhanced rainfall season to bolster tree cover across the nation, emphasising the critical role trees play in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Acknowledging the efforts of the KFS Board and staff, Korir revealed that the Board is steadfastly supporting the KFS in its endeavour to grow 300 million trees annually.
He commended the dedication of forest rangers who have taken on the additional responsibility of raising tree seedlings to meet this target.
Furthermore, Korir outlined the KFS’s commitment to forest conservation and protection, citing initiatives such as the Fire Project and the installation of communication masts to facilitate rapid response to fire outbreaks.
He also highlighted the integration of drone technology for surveillance purposes, with several staff members trained as drone operators.
In a bid to ensure the realisation of the 15 billion tree target, Korir called upon every Kenya Forest Service staff member to spearhead tree-growing efforts at the county level and provide technical support to stakeholders involved in tree planting.
Expressing gratitude to partners for their support towards tree-growing initiatives, Korir affirmed the KFS’s unwavering commitment to these activities, aligning with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
By Nickson Terer
