Homa Bay County Ecosystem Conservator David Ngumi has urged area residents to plant more tree during this rain season in order to meet the required forest cover
The county conservator who was speaking Wednesday in Rachuonyo south sub county during a tour of the area to assess the status of forests equally has asked the residents to change their attitude toward tree planting.
“Many of the people looks at the issue of tree planting as a government concern, and yet it’s a concern of all us to protect the environment for posterity,” he said and called on the residents to increase tree cover in their farms
The conservator said many of the indigenous trees have been depleted, saying there need to replenish the forest cover.
He said currently the forest cover in Homa Bay county stands at 2.6 per cent which he termed quite low compared to the national target of 10 per cent forest cover.
Rachuonyo south sub county is host to Wire forest which is approximately over 500 hectares, Kodera forest 706 hectares, and God Nyaing forest which also covers 31.57 hectares
Mr. Ngumi said the forests need serious protection from human encroachment and asked Homa Bay county government to release more land to support forests and expand the existing water towers.
The county conservator said the government has planned massive tree planting exercise that will take off beginning January next year and he called on everyone to join hands during the exercise.
“Many non-governmental organisations among them banks, and individuals have pledged to support the programme,” he said.
By Moseti Julius
