The Second Lady Dr Joyce Kindiki, on Friday led a major tree planting campaign at Kathwana Sports Complex in Tharaka Nithi County, where she distributed 20,000 fruit tree seedlings to local women groups.
Dr Kindiki emphasised that fruit trees such as avocados not only provided quick and reliable returns to farmers through improved household nutrition and income but also played a critical role in restoring the environment and combating climate change.
“This initiative is about building resilient communities, protecting the environment, and ensuring that families can secure both food and income from sustainable sources,” she said, urging women to take personal responsibility in nurturing the seedlings to maturity.
She noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation and called on communities to join hands in restoring degraded environments, conserving water, and embracing modern farming innovations.
She further tied her campaign to President William Ruto’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, stressing that tree planting is central to enhancing climate change adaptation, expanding access to clean and sufficient water, and securing future livelihoods.
Dr. Kindiki reaffirmed her dedication to environmental conservation, stressing that initiatives like these are not just about planting trees, but about transforming livelihoods and securing sustainable development for generations to come.
County Commissioner David Gitonga lauded the initiative, saying it complements government efforts to conserve natural resources and empower households.
He urged residents to view tree planting not just as a ceremonial exercise but as a lifelong responsibility.
“Apart from protecting the environment, fruit trees have the advantage of yielding income in just a few years. Families can benefit from both food and money, making them a smart investment for the future,” he said.
Gitonga further encouraged communities to take pride in environmental conservation, warning that neglecting natural resources would worsen the effects of climate change, including water scarcity and food insecurity.
He affirmed the national government’s support in ensuring that local communities received guidance in caring for their seedlings and adopting sustainable farming practices.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
