250 SCHOOLS IN VIHIGA BENEFIT FROM 5,000 FRUIT TREE SEEDLINGS

Several learning institutions within Vihiga today received a boost after County Government of Vihiga through the Department of Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Resources partnered with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to distribute 5,000 fruit tree seedlings to promote school greening program.

The seedlings distributed include; Avocado, Mango, Orange and Tissue Culture bananas through the Kenya National Fruits Tree Seedlings project that aims at enhancing food security and environmental conservation in public schools.

While gracing the occasion, Vihiga County Secretary Ezekiel Ayiego said that the County Government is committed to monitor tree growing process so as to attain the required 10 percent tree forest cover.

Blaine Bell, a Humanitarian Service Missionary under the Faith Based Organization on his part stated that Vihiga is among the 17 counties across the country that benefitted from the 157,000 fruits tree seedlings.

Chief Officer in charge of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Dr. Richard Boiyo called upon learning institutions to embrace the 4K clubs that will mainstream the tree growing process.

He also added that his department will initiate a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee that will oversee the tree growing process and document a comprehensive report that will be shared among development partners.

The beneficiaries comprised of five Primary Schools, four Secondary Schools and one Technical Vocational Training drawn from each of the 25 wards in Vihiga County.

Also present were Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Resources CECM Mary Amalemba, Municipal Board Manager Ahuga Mwenesi among others.