The ministry of health officials, led by Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Irine Ngonde, has spearheaded a significant tree planting initiative at Kayalting Forest in Lelan Ward, West Pokot County.
In collaboration with health officials, national government representatives, and local county officials from the Environment and land ministry, the team planted 12,000 Cypress tree seedlings during the exercise.
Ngonde emphasized the importance of tree planting, urging the public to engage in such efforts to reap ecological benefits.
She highlighted that the tree planting initiative aligns with the presidential directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
‘The ministry of health has been tasked with planting trees in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot Counties, with the state Department of Public Health and Professional standards focusing on West Pokot,’’she said.
The Assistant Secretary reiterated that nurturing the planted trees until maturity is crucial for their survival and highlighted the importance of involving community stakeholders in the mission.
She encouraged locals to plant trees in their own homes to contribute to the overall goal of increasing the forest cover in the region.
West Pokot Forest Conservator confirmed the successful planting of the cypress seedlings and urged residents to nurture them until maturity.
He warned against illegal activities such as cutting down trees for charcoal, stating that offenders would face prosecution.
Kore urged residents to consider planting fruit trees, such as avocados and mangoes, which could provide food and potential income.
William Petot,West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Natural resources, and Climate change, supported the president’s directive, stressing the environmental and economic benefits that forest provides.
He called on the community to protect the forest and refrain from illegal activities that threaten it.
CECM Petot noted that tree planting exercise not only aimed at increasing forest cover but also sought to foster community involvement and highlighted the role of local residents in preserving their environment.
Community members voiced their concerns and requests; Jacob Lotiram appealed for job opportunities for local youth in the ministry of health.
Ngurianyang Murio urged the government to allow locals to graze their animals in the forest as a means of maintaining the trees.
He advocated for local employment in forest management to ensure more effective protection of the area.
By Anthony Melly
