The County Government of Narok is targeting to plant over 2.5 million tree seedlings by the end of the year in a bid to conserve the environment.
Governor Patrick Ntutu said 1.5 million trees have been grown in various parts of the county, thanking development partners who have collaborated with both the county and national government to donate tree seedlings.
Ntutu spoke at Olkinyei area, in Narok West Sub County, where he led the residents in the celebrations of World Environment Day.
The governor encouraged the residents to continue planting trees in their individual homes, schools, churches and government offices to avoid mudslides and floods during heavy rain seasons.
“Today we brought you 20, 000 tree seedlings that will be given free of charge to all willing people. We want to encourage a culture of planting trees so as to conserve our environment,” he reiterated.
He underscored that the floods witnessed at the Maasai Mara National Reserve last month could be avoided if the residents planted trees at the upper grounds to tame the flash floods.
“We are currently renovating the roads and lodges that were destroyed by the heavy rains as we prepare for the high tourists’ season that occurs between July and September,” he said.
Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia said the county has a target of planting over 4.5 million trees hence a need of putting up tree nurseries in every location.
He directed the chiefs to have a record of every group that is putting up tree nurseries so as to know the number of tree seedlings and help them where possible.
“If the government wants to purchase tree seedlings, the trees will be bought from you, hence boosting your income. I encourage every location to have a group of people who are dealing with tree nurseries,” he said.
Maasai Mara Vice Chancellor Prof. Peninnah Aloo said they are committed to boost forest cover in the county, by working with schools through the ‘school greening’ program.
“We want to change the narrative that Narok County is a semi-arid zone. Today we came with 3, 000 tree seedlings to plant at Olkenyei Secondary school. Recently we donated 3, 000 seedlings at Aitong,” she said.
By Ann Salaton
