The Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, on Friday noted that it is high time for cooperative societies to prioritize and support tree planting initiatives.
Kilemi observed that the cooperative movement in the country has a large membership, and their involvement in tree planting would have a significant impact on environmental conservation, thus contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change.
He singled out farmers’ cooperative societies, which he said rely on increased productivity from a well-conserved environment and adequate rainfall.
Speaking at Ikumbi Primary School during the launch of a tree planting programme by Unaitas Sacco, Kilemi asked coffee and tea farmers to dedicate more time to planting trees on their farms, especially in riparian areas.
“Kenyans should take advantage of the ongoing long rains and embark on planting trees as part of efforts to mitigate climate change and support the conservation and protection of water catchment areas,” said the PS.
He emphasized the government’s support for Unaitas’ initiative, calling it a timely intervention in addressing climate change.
He underscored the need for youth engagement in environmental conservation efforts, particularly in tree planting initiatives. “Involving our youth in tree planting not only educates them about environmental stewardship but also instills a sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices,” added the PS.
Kilemi commended Unaitas Sacco for aligning its efforts with the national tree-planting goal of 15 billion trees by 2032 and called on other stakeholders to follow suit. “We commend Unaitas for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Initiatives like this not only support our national environmental goals but also empower communities on the ground.
“I urge other financial institutions and partners to emulate this model. Only through collective action can we truly tackle climate challenges,” he added.
Unaitas CEO Martin Muhoho said his Sacco has embraced the programme of tree planting to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation. “Unaitas Sacco has launched its fruit tree planting initiative targeting public institutions, with the goal of planting one million fruit trees by 2030,” he stated.
Themed ‘Children and a Greener Planet,’ the event marked Unaitas’ 32nd anniversary and saw 70,000 fruit trees planted simultaneously across 11 primary schools in Murang’a County.
Muhoho echoed the sentiments of the PS, noting that the program is designed not only to improve the environment but also to enhance food security and livelihoods for school children and local communities. “This initiative is more than just planting trees; it’s about handing over the baton of environmental care to our children. We want them to grow up in a greener, healthier world—one they helped nurture,” said Muhoho.
The fruit trees are expected to provide sustainable nutrition to pupils throughout the year and foster environmental consciousness from an early age. The programme, he added, targets public institutions such as schools and hospitals with adequate land to establish fruit orchards.
“We invite every Kenyan, institution, and community to join us on this journey. Let’s grow together and make our homes, schools, and farms part of this shared green legacy,” Muhoho remarked.
On his part, Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha commended the Principal Secretary for leading from the front by planting trees in the region.
Meanwhile, Nkanatha addressed pressing social concerns in the region, particularly the vulnerability of young boys to drug and substance abuse.
“The boy child in Murang’a has been lost in drugs. It is time for our chiefs to take action and ensure that the boy child is protected,” said the County Commissioner, adding: “Chiefs belong to the community and must be concerned with the livelihoods and well-being of our children.”
He further called on Murang’a residents to take environmental conservation seriously and support the national goal of restoring Kenya’s forest cover. “Let us all take responsibility and protect the environment as directed by the President so we can collectively achieve the 15 billion tree target,” Nkanatha urged.
By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo