Trans Nzoia Governor Calls on Residents to Plant Trees
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has called on residents to plant trees and help reach the county’s forest cover target.
The governor spoke on Wednesday during a tree planting exercise in Kapolet Forest in support of the National government program of implementing 15 billion tree growing program.
“We are planting these trees as part of our proactive efforts towards environmental conservation and support for the National Government’s 15-billion-tree growing program,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of individual and collective responsibility in securing a greener future. He called on residents to actively engage in tree planting and contribute to the rehabilitation of degraded natural forests within gazetted forests and water towers.
Natembeya also issued a stern warning against tree destruction, saying deforestation has led to natural disasters, and the Kapolet Forest is a vital water tower. Its preservation is crucial to prevent future water shortages.
The governor commended the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for distributing seedlings to residents. “This is helping the county progress towards its forest cover target,” he added.
The governor announced plans to employ youth through the Kazi Mashinani initiative to safeguard the newly planted trees and protect the environment.
Under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, Natembeya said he will integrate more residents and support them in establishing tree nurseries.
As part of a broader strategy to diversify income sources for local farmers, Natembeya said his administration will soon distribute sunflower seeds to reduce dependency on maize farming and help farmers broaden their income base.
In an effort to promote local businesses, the governor encouraged Trans Nzoia residents to apply for government tenders. Through the NAWIRI FUND, the county is committed to supporting residents in engaging in business ventures with the county.
“I am confident that this tree planting exercise is a step in the right direction towards a greener and more sustainable future for Trans Nzoia County. I call on all residents to join hands in protecting our environment and building a better future for our children,” the governor said.
The event was also attended by the Principal Secretary in charge of climate change and forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, who revealed that the government is targeting to increase forest cover from 12 percent to 30 percent in the next 10 years.
He said Trans Nzoia must plant 11.9 Million trees annually to reach the National target.
The PS said Trans Nzoia county need to plant over 3.8 million during this coming rainy season in support of the National government program.
“Our people must know that we nolonger plant trees but instead we grow trees, meaning we must plant and take care of the trees,” he said.
He added that residents around the Kapolet forest must take care of the water tower, saying the forest is the source of many Rivers serving the country and other African nations and if residents continue to cut trees many people will suffer.
Mugambi said that soon residents will start earning from trees through carbon trading.
The PS asked residents also to plant fruit trees, saying diversification will help boost the income of the residents.
He said the government will use maximum force to protect the forest from destruction, calling the residents to notify the KFS through free toll number 0800724570.
He said through the green Army, soon to be deployed in the area, the government will engage the community in forest conservation.
Alex Lemarkoko the Chief Conservator of Forests, said the government plans to plant 15 billion tree in the next 15 years, with the Kenya Forest Service leading the effort.
He said Wananchi will be given controlled access to the forest in partnership with the Community, and only in the area where exotic trees have been planted.
He cautioned residents against grazing in forest land.
He called on the residents, government entities and other non governmental organizations who have planted trees to take care of them, saying all partners should have a program for taking care of the planted trees.
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