Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Muhia-Beacco has called on Kenyans to actively participate in environmental conservation through sustained tree-planting initiatives.
Addressing members of the public at Kianwe Primary School in Kirinyaga West Sub-County, Ndia Constituency, during a public engagement forum, Beacco emphasised that protecting the environment was a shared responsibility that required collective action from government institutions and local communities.
“We must all take responsibility for protecting our environment. Tree planting is the work of everyone; it is a duty that requires every Kenyan to play their part,” she said.
During the forum, the PS donated 2,500 tree seedlings to members of the public and Kianwe Primary school as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote greening across the country.
She encouraged schools and community groups to take the lead in environmental stewardship by planting and caring for trees within their institutions and neighbourhoods.
“These seedlings are an investment in our future. I urge schools and community groups to protect them and make tree planting part of everyday life,” she said.
The PS further called on Kenyans to continue purchasing tree seedlings from correctional facilities, explaining that the Kenya Prisons Service operates several nurseries that supply quality seedlings at affordable rates.
Beacco added that correctional services also provide free seedlings to organised groups and institutions, noting that the primary goal is to ensure widespread tree planting nationwide.
“Our aim is not profit, but impact. Whether through affordable or free seedlings, we want to see trees planted in every part of the country,” she emphasised.
The PS highlighted that environmental conservation is closely linked to the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
Beacco explained that prisoners are actively engaged in productive activities such as tree nursery management and furniture making as part of skills development programmes within correctional facilities.
These initiatives, she said, equip inmates with practical skills that prepare them for reintegration into society upon completion of their sentences.
“Rehabilitation is about giving inmates skills that will help them earn a living and become responsible citizens once they rejoin society,” she noted.
The PS invited members of the public to visit correctional services showrooms to view and purchase furniture made by inmates, noting that the products are of high quality and competitively priced.
According to the PS, supporting such initiatives contributes to local manufacturing while empowering reformed offenders to become self-reliant.
“When you buy furniture from our showrooms, you are not only getting quality products but also supporting rehabilitation and local production,” she said.
Beacco also urged residents of Kirinyaga County to continue supporting leaders who are committed to working for the benefit of all Kenyans.
By David Wandeto
