By I, KNA
The National government has stepped-up efforts to ensure achievement of the 15 billion Trees Initiative by 2032.
Speaking at Kabuyefwe Comprehensive School in Trans Nzoia County where she led residents to commemorate Mazingira Day, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa, exuded optimism the Initiative will be at the end be achieved, as she revealed 1.06 billion trees have so far been planted across the country in the last two years.
Drawing a comparison to what was achieved by the previous regime in five years where 38 million trees were planted, Dr. Barasa stressed commitment of the government to ensure realization of the dream, adding that the efforts invested are so far yielding desired results.
As she rallied for public support to help combat effects of climate change, Dr. Barasa said the 15 Billion Trees Initiative would be easily achieved, if all Kenyans were to embrace and support climate change mitigation measures.
“Going by what has so far been achieved, as a government, we are optimistic by the year 2032, 15 Billion trees would have been planted. Let Kenyans whom we recognize as a key pillar in this town and support the drive, as it will ensure money in their pockets and a healthy environment”, she said.
Meanwhile, under Integrated Natural Resource Program, the CS revealed the national government has set aside Sh33.8 billion to help forest conservation in ten counties across the country, Trans Nzoia County included.
Prior to the exercise, Dr. Barasa revealed that more than a hundred thousand fruit tree seedlings had been given out to 672 schools across Trans Nzoia for planting.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Principal Secretary (PS),State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, who said realization of the 15 Billion Trees drive, would be a game changer in mitigation of the effects of climate change, which she said is a reality.
Urging residents to support government programmes tailored to benefit the public, for example reforms in the health sector, Dr. Imbunya urged Kenyans to ignore critics whom she said, are hell bend to see the government fail.
As she urged leaders to unite for the good of the public, Dr. Imbunya stressed that it’s only when leaders are united that meaningful development can be realized.
Present during the function were Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN Habitat, Susan Nakhumicha, Legislators Robert Pukose (Endebess), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Maurice Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), KEBS Chairperson Chrisanthus Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi among others.