The national government has stressed commitment to ensure more than 15 billion trees are planted by 2032.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday during a massive tree planting drive at Kitale Forest Block C where 2900 assorted indigenous trees were planted, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba noted that since the initiative was launched, Trans Nzoia County has seen 20 million trees planted.
Hailing the public and efforts of all stakeholders involved in the campaign aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and combating climate change, Dr. Ogamba pointed out the figures realized lie behind the schedule and called for an all-out multi-sectoral approach to help push the dream.
“The government has set out ambitious plans to help drive the economy and development of this country to another level. One of them is to ensure 15 billion trees are planted by the year 2032 in an effort to outdo the effects of climate change which to a large extend has been brought about by environmental degradation,” he said.
As he declared that the journey to Singapore is unstoppable, Ogamba pointed out the support of the public as a critical element towards the realization of the dream.
“As we support the President and the government to push development of the Country to the levels of Singapore, I rally all stakeholders to join the bandwagon. The contribution of each and every Kenyan is critical towards this and we don’t want to leave anyone out,” he said.
Pointing out that Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda blue print has fully taken shape, Dr. Ogamba said that Affordable Housing Project is a true statement of where the country is moving to.
Meanwhile, highlighting the critical component of forests Dr. Ogamba called for full protection of gazetted forests from encroachment warning all allotment letters issued for Kitale Forest land and any other will be cancelled.
He warned that cancellation of the allotment letters will not be the only action, but all those involved in the issuance of the documents will be arrested and tasked to explain.
“Gazetted forests must be protected. Those issuing illegal allotment letters should be held accountable because such actions threaten the country’s environmental sustainability,” he said.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi acknowledged that one of the challenges affecting realization of the 15 Billion Tree Initiative is the shortage of tree seedlings.
However, he assured that National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) are working closely with partners to ensure enough seedlings are available for future planting exercises adding that environmental conservation requires a collective responsibility.
Others present during the tree planting drive were Principal Secretary Technical and Vocational Education Training Dr. Esther Muhoria, Trans Nzoia County Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi and Endebess Legislator Dr. Robert Pukose
By Isaiah Nayika and Winnie Jelagat
