Some 2800 fruit tree seedlings have been planted in Kwale county to mark this year’s Mazingira Day.
The fruit tree planting exercise at Mavirivirini Primary School in Mwavumbo Ward, Samburu Sub-County of Kwale was led by Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Orinde.
The countrywide tree planting campaign took place under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship”.
This year the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has urged all Kenyans to trace their primary school roots in a bid to donate and help in planting fruit trees on Mazingira Day marked annually on October 10.
The national government has set a target of 100 million fruit trees planted annually, translating into a budget of Sh1 trillion in 3 years.
Deputy governor said the devolved government remains committed to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable water for all.
Kombo has urged area residents not only use the Mazingira Day to do tree planting but also make it a habit of planting trees round the year.
He highlighted the essential role trees play in absorbing carbon dioxide and protecting water catchment areas.
“Since the national government directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2030 Kwale County has planted over 600,000 seedlings,” said Kombo.
Speaking during the event, Chirema urged area residents particularly those from arid and semi-arid areas of Samburu, Kinango and LungaLunga sub counties to take the tree-planting initiative seriously to curb the adverse climatic changes affecting the area.
The DG noted the importance of tree planting in the arid and semi-arid zones adding that the initiative will help restore degraded land while improving livelihoods of local communities.
“We have to change the narrative of our land, not just by planting trees but by growing fruit trees that will help us grow economically,” he said.
On his part, Orinde said the national government works hand in hand with the county governments to make sure climate and environmental aspects are taken care of for the benefit of Kenyans.
“The national government has many projects and we implement them together with the county government so that we change the harsh conditions for our people particularly in areas of Samburu Kinango and LungaLunga Sub-Counties,” he said.
The CC urged residents to be intentional in planting and caring for tree seedlings, stressing that trees help in fighting climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
He said Kenya is facing an environmental crisis as a result of global warming, requiring collective action from all and sundry to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
The CC explained that the choice of fruit trees by the government was deliberate, noting that besides their environmental benefits, they also provide a sustainable source of income for the people.
“Let each one of us plant and nurture at least a tree not just for ourselves, but for our environment and posterity,” said Orinde.
By Hussein Abdullahi
