Nandi County has set a target of planting 200,000 tree seedlings in a one-hour challenge as part of a week-long campaign to boost forest cover and restore degraded landscapes.
Governor Stephen Sang said the campaign, which kicked off on Monday, will culminate on Saturday with Mazingira Day celebrations at Kimondi Forest.
He said the county has lined up a series of activities throughout the week bringing together national and county government agencies, schools, communities and other partners to strengthen environmental conservation.
The official launch was held at Namgoi Mixed Senior School on Monday and will be followed by tree-growing activities in institutions on Tuesday and a county-wide exercise in schools and other learning institutions on Wednesday.
Rehabilitation of quarries and other degraded sites is scheduled for Thursday, while highway greening and beautification in Kapsabet and Nandi Hills towns will be held on Friday, before the main celebrations at Kimondi Forest on Saturday.
Speaking during the launch, Sang said the design was to move conservation beyond a single-day event by involving different sections of the community.
“All schools and learning institutions across Nandi will participate in Wednesday’s campaign. Involving learners will help instill a culture of conservation among young people while increasing tree cover,” he said.
He said the climax at Kimondi Forest will bring together stakeholders for the one-hour challenge targeting 200,000 seedlings, and urged residents to turn up in large numbers.
“We are working closely with schools, communities and other stakeholders to contribute to the achievement of President William Ruto’s target of increasing Kenya’s tree cover to 30% by 2032,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment Hillary Serem urged residents to go beyond planting and ensure the seedlings survive.
“As we carry out this exercise, we are encouraging everybody to grow these trees so that we attain the numbers that we are targeting. Do not just plant and leave, make time to look after the tree so that it grows,” Serem said.
He called on communities to take responsibility for seedlings planted in their areas.
Emgwen Deputy County Commissioner Atemi Elizabeth urged youth to take an active role, saying the benefits of tree planting would extend to future generations.
“We are doing this for posterity. When you plant a tree, you are helping yourself and society. I urge our young people to turn up in large numbers,” she said.
The campaign brings together Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Red Cross, Nature Kenya, Save the Children, Green Belt Movement and other partners, under the theme of environmental restoration and tree growing.
by Kosuri Valarie
