The Aviation and Aerospace Development PS Teresia Mbaika has urged Makueni county residents to be part of the government’s greening the environment initiative by planting trees in their homesteads.
Mbaika said such efforts will go a long way in bettering our environment, especially during this period when the planet is experiencing extreme weather conditions due to climate change that has contributed to desertification.
Further, the PS observed that calls for national environmental awareness are meant to rally citizens to action in matters of conservation in order to contribute directly to the government’s goal of achieving 30 percent tree cover in the country by 2032.
“The government has initiated ambitious targets through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, aimed at championing environmental conservation and management of forests countrywide, fighting deforestation and promoting community involvement,” said the PS, in a speech read on her behalf by Mohammed Abbas, Secretary Administration at the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, during celebrations to mark Mazingira Day at Muthini Primary School, Makueni Sub county.
“The targets they have set and initiatives like the national tree planting day serve to reiterate the overall government’s goal in restoring the environment through education, citizen participation, and sustainable practices embedded in our communities,” she added.
At the same time, Mbaika lauded the government under the wise leadership of president Dr. William Ruto for championing planting of fruits trees, which she said will go a long way in improving food security in the country.
While saying that 71 million fruit tree seedlings will be planted in 35,570 public and private primary schools countrywide, the PS disclosed that each institution was tasked with planting at least 2,000 trees.
“The choice of planting, especially fruit trees, resonates with the government efforts of enhancing food security and clean-up drives to inculcate environmental education into daily routine. We must rise up to be part of supporting Kenya’s biodiversity and climate change resilience by promoting the culture of personal environmental responsibility,” she said.
“The fruit trees support student nutrition by increasing access to fresh, healthy produce right where learning is taking place. Beyond direct harvest, the presence of fruit trees fosters connection to nature, providing shade during harsh weather and enriching the pupil’s diet when the fruits are ready for consumption,” Mbaika said.
During the occasion, over 500 tree seedlings were planted at Muthini Primary School, where Mbaika initially began her education journey. The other 500 tree seedlings were donated to Mukuyuni Secondary School to enable them also to take part in environmental conservation.
On his part, Makueni County Commissioner (CC) Duncan Darusi said there was a need for the wananchi and the church to be actively involved in planting trees in a bid to improve and conserve our environment.
On education, Darusi challenged parents to ensure they took their children to school saying education remains the only equaliser in society.
“As a parent the most precious inheritance you can bequeath your children is education. Being a parent is not an accident but a responsibility,” he said.
On his part, the county executive for Lands, urban and Planning, Environment Dr Paul Musila said the devolved unit was fully involved in conservation matters especially through their departments of agriculture, water and environment.
By Patrick Nyakundi
