Machakos county government will through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources distribute 10,000 assorted fruit tree seedlings to farmers and various groups to promote environmental conservation.
The initiative is part of an ongoing intervention to boost food security and nutrition and promote environmental conservation.
According to CECM for Water Irrigation, Environment and Climate change Rita Ndunge, the fruit seedlings are meant to provide nutrition, increase agricultural production, conserve the environment and also boost community development opportunities through economic empowerment.
She noted that the fruit seedlings were a gift donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of their broader effort to support Kenya’s tree planting initiative.
Ms Ndunge was speaking at their Water and Environment offices in Machakos where they received the seedlings and expressed gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, noting that the seedlings would greatly uplift community livelihoods through sales and a vital source of vitamins.
She further highlighted how the initiative aligns with Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s clarion call – “Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni” ensuring families have food on the table while improving household incomes through sustainable agriculture.
“Machakos County remains committed to sustainable environmental stewardship and empowering communities through green initiatives,” added the Water and Environment CECM.
The assorted fruit tree seedlings are grafted avocado, mango, orange and grafted pixies.
By Anne Kangero
