Vihiga County government has launched an environmental education programme to promote planting of trees in schools.
The initiative, dubbed school greening programme, seeks to impart environmental conservation skills and attitudes to learners at an early age.
Speaking while at Ikuvu primary in North Maragoli ward, in Sabatia Sub-County, Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said his administration is making tremendous efforts in fostering environmental conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation for prosperity.
Dr. Ottichilo stated that in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other partners, he will organize a workshop to train learners, teachers and the local communities on climate change effects.
He has called on the residents to take the responsibility of planting trees and conserving riparian zones to protect water sources.
He disclosed that Vihiga is among the leading counties in the country a large forest cover having 35.9 per cent of its area under tree cover.
“We have procured over 100,000 seedlings for starting-off the programme which will entail planting of trees as well as undertaking other environmental-conservation related activities in schools,” he said.
He said the greening exercise is going to be carried out in all primary and secondary schools within the county.
By Sammy Mwibanda
