The national government staff in Kajiado County on Tuesday participated in a tree-planting exercise at the County Commissioner’s compound.
Led by County Commissioner Jude Wasonga, the civil servants planted over 250 tree seedlings of different species so as to boost tree cover.
The Commissioner noted that the move was in line with the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees in 10 years.
“The government is targeting to plant 15 billion trees in the next 10 years so as to increase the tree cover from the current 12 percent to 30 percent by the year 2032,” he said.
Kajiado County Youth Coordinator Jennifer Shisoka who participated in the tree planting exercise, noted that trees play a key role in restoring biodiversity, improving air quality and addressing climate change impacts such as drought.
“Trees are important as they help improve air quality and restore the ecosystem,” she said.
The Officer challenged the youth to come out in large numbers and plant trees so as to promote tree cover and conserve the environment.
Shisoka noted that the trees which were being planted today will be of benefit to the youth in future.
She further called on the youth to be at the forefront in environmental conservation activities by establishing tree nurseries which will also generate them with an income and enable them to be financially independent.
On her part, County Civil Registrar of Persons Christine Gachau called on Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant trees and nurture them to maturity.
President William Ruto in December 2022 launched the tree planting programme where 15 billion trees are expected to be planted by 2032.
The move is aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation, and restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscape.
By Rop Janet
