Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir led members of the public in a tree-planting exercise at Kipsonoi Primary School in Bomet County.
Over 3,700 trees were planted to commemorate Mazingira Day under the national campaign clarion ‘Turudi Shuleni, Tupande Miti’.
The exercise saw the planting of 1,100 avocado seedlings, 500 grafted orange trees, and over 2,500 indigenous tree species, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate action.
Speaking during the event, CS Chirchir emphasised the importance of reforestation and environmental stewardship, noting that tree planting is not only about greening the environment but also about building a sustainable future.
“Tree planting is an investment in our children’s tomorrow. We must take responsibility for restoring our ecosystems and ensuring that every Kenyan plays a role in achieving a cleaner, greener country,” said Chirchir.
Bomet County Forest Conservator Nicholas Bahari echoed the CS’s remarks, stressing that environmental conservation is a shared duty for all citizens.
“We nurture nature for a sustainable future. As of 2022, Bomet had achieved a tree cover of 26 per, cent and a forest cover of 24 per cent. Over 10 million trees have been planted across state forests and public lands, with 30 percent being fruit trees,” said Bahari.
Beyond environmental issues, CS Chirchir used the occasion to highlight several ongoing infrastructure projects within the South Rift region, underscoring the government’s continued investment in development.
“The ongoing tarmacking of the Daraja Sita–Chebole Road is progressing well and is expected to be completed by December this year. We have also allocated Sh 143 million for the construction of Itembe Airstrip, which will be completed within 18 months. The Chebole–Siongiroi–Chebunyo Road is also on course, and all roads will be built to the highest standards, complete with road signage,” he stated.
Chirchir took the opportunity to commend Members of Parliament (MPs) for passing the Privatisation Bill on the Kenya Pipeline Company, saying it will help generate more revenue for the government and attract investors.
He observed that the new law will open the door for new investments and see the channelling of more funds to infrastructure development, thereby bolstering the government focus on ensuring that every region benefits from improved connectivity and opportunities.
The CS further encouraged the youth to take advantage of government initiatives such as the NYOTA Programme and the Affordable Housing Scheme, which aim to empower young people economically.
“The government has set aside Sh 30 billion for the NYOTA Programme, which will benefit 70 youth per ward across the country through entrepreneurship and innovation grants,” Chirchir Stated.
The event was attended by key leaders, including MPs Francis Sigei (Sotik), Brighton Yegon (Konoin), Victor Koech (Bomet Central), Victor Kipngetich Koech Mandazi (Chepalungu), Joyce Korir (Nominated Senator), Linet Chepkorir Toto (Bomet Women Rep.) and Bomet County Commissioner Ruben Ratemo.
By Nickson Terer
