Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment, Dr. Deborah Mulongo, has emphasised the importance of inter-county collaborations in achieving land restoration goals and in efforts to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, in line with President William Ruto’s directive.
While outlining environmental benefits, Dr. Mulongo urged communities to focus on improving their livelihoods through initiatives such as planting fruit trees in their farms.
“We take note that counties are strong pillars. Inter-county partnerships are important if we are to restore our land,” she said.
Dr. Mulongo was speaking during her working tour of Vihiga County to spearhead the ongoing national tree planting exercise.
The Ministry of Environment has designated Vihiga as a coordinating County, with each Cabinet Secretary assigned to champion tree planting efforts across different regions in the country.
In a remarkable gesture of support, the Cabinet Secretary announced the provision of 10,000 avocado seedlings to promote agricultural diversity and enhance local livelihoods.
“As we restore forests, let us also focus on improving livelihoods. This aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” she added.
This initiative not only aims to increase the County’s greenery but also to empower farmers with sustainable farming options that promise economic benefits.
Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised the importance of public awareness of environmental issues, promising to mobilise resources from The Treasury, to fund programmes aimed at making Vihiga a greener, more sustainable County.
Vihiga County Governor, Dr. Wilber Otichillo, hailed the working relationship between his Administration and the Ministry of Environment, promising to provide all the necessary requirements for making Vihiga greener.
Following her meetings with the County leadership, Dr. Mulongo moved to join residents and county officials in a tree planting exercise at Maragoli Hills, one of Vihiga’s key forest landscapes earmarked for restoration.
By Rose Wasike and Sylvester Muhadi
