The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability by aligning with the President’s call to plant trees as part of the country’s ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees over the next 10 years.
The Secretary, Administration, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Allan Machari, who led the exercise at Tionosoyiet wetlands in Kericho County, said the Ministry, through its state departments and agencies, had planted over 13 million seedlings and was aiming at meeting its 105 million trees per year target.
Representing Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, Machari outlined the Ministry’s extensive tree planting efforts, particularly in regions such as Narasha, Koibatek, and Londiani forests in Baringo and Kericho counties.
In addition to Londiani Forest, the Ministry has focused on restoring key wetlands such as Tionosoyiet and Kuje in Ainamoi and Sigowet Sub-Counties of Kericho.
Machari said other than Londiani Forest, the Ministry adopted Tionosoiyet and Kuje wetlands in Ainamoi and Sigowet Sub-Counties in Kericho County and was committed to ensuring trees were planted and taken care of to maturity.
“To achieve the set targets, the Ministry cannot do it alone. The involvement of public and private sector leaders and local communities is important. The environmental rehabilitation and restoration initiative anticipates that everyone living in Kenya will plant 30 trees in the next 10 years,” said Mr. Machari.
He urged the local community to protect water sources, curb illegal logging, and adopt better waste disposal practices to ensure conservation of the region’s natural resources.
“The Ministry is committed to increasing power connectivity to communities, enhancing the use of clean renewable and safe energy sources and championing environmental conservation initiatives,” he remarked.
Kericho County Commissioner, Gilbert Kitiyo, warned scrap metal dealers who exploited street children to vandalise electricity infrastructure, warning that those engaged in such activities would face the full force of the law.
Kitiyo encouraged residents to continue planting trees within their homes, schools, churches, and places of work, saying that these efforts would benefit both the community and future generations.
Kericho County Forest Conservator, John Kidogo, said 600 indigenous tree seedlings were planted along the riverbanks of Tionosoyiet Wetlands.
Kidogo said 1.4 million seedlings had been planted since 2024, with a target of planting 8 million seedlings in 2025.
By Kibe Mburu
