The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has today launched tree planting in Kisii dabbed “Back to the roots” as way of encouraging communities to get involved in environmental conservation.
Speaking to KNA during a tree planting exercise at Kisii Primary School in Kisii town, County Coordinator, KRCS Kisii branch, Wycliffe Likhaya, said they had started a ‘back to the roots’ campaign to bridge gap in environmental conservation and trickle down the conservation activities to communities.
“With inclusivity at the core, the back to the roots campaign leaves no one behind and we encourage both men and women to participate in this activity since we require the efforts of both genders for this campaign to succeed,” he said.
The County Coordinator noted the campaign will ensure each Red Cross branch plants a specified number of trees in a selected village, school or preferred community and ensure the gender composition of both men and women participate in the tree planting exercise.
Likhaya added that the Red Cross Society was committed to supporting communities in environmental conservation and preservation in order to improve forest coverage in the country.
Kenya Forest Service Representative, Judy Ogenche urged the residents to come up with measures and technologies that will reduce environmental degradation in the region.
“We can use improved jikos that use less charcoal and avoid cutting trees even though we are a third world country which uses fuel wood as a source of energy. Thus, when you cut one tree, plant two or more,” said Ogenche.
On his part, Communications Director of Lions Club Kisii, Moffat Ondande said that mentorship programs for youth groups ought to be created.
Kenya Red Cross Society conducted the tree planting exercise in partnership with Kenya Lions Club, St. John’s Ambulance and Kenya Forest Service.
By Carolyne Omwamba and Aunda Lavina
