Kenya Forestry Services (KFS) in collaboration with the National Government in Tharaka Nithi County has issued farmers with tree seedlings as a way of marking this year’s National Tree Planting Day.
Speaking during a tree exercise in Kithitu Primary School where around 2,600 tree seedlings were planted, the county Ecosystem Conservator James Mburu, encouraged the residents to plant trees at household level which will in turn improve their environment as well as their nutritional needs through planting of fruit trees.
“We urge you to plant trees to help in water conservation as well as increased rainfall in the region and also as a source of food to your families,” said Mburu.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner (CC), Beverly Opwora commended the school for planting trees in over two acres of their compound, adding that each student and parents attending the occasion will be given seedlings to boost the 10 per cent National Forest Coverage target.
She emphasized on the importance of agroforestry and urged farmers to enhance the practice by embracing the 10 per cent policy of planting trees around their farms.
Opwora noted that 3,000 trees will be left in school while 5,000 others will be given to farmers, adding that KFS in collaboration with Kazi Mtaani have been able to plant 700,000 trees in the county so far.
Through combined efforts with Kazi Mtaani and KFS, Environmental conservation has been aided in Kiangondo forestry by creating a 17km fire breaks to create a buffer zone to curtail spread of fire in case of an outbreak, thus creating a better environmental conservation of the forest.
The County Commissioner also acknowledged the efforts put down by the County Government and Chuka University, assuring that the County will achieve a forest coverage of 22 per cent by next year, which currently stands at 19.4 per cent.
She applauded Njuri Njeke for putting aside a day to plant trees and the Akorino church which celebrated their 100 years Anniversary by planting trees.
By Sharon Gitau
