Trans Nzoia Governor Natembeya’s CEC Joins residents of Endebess for the International Day of Forests Celebrations
Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Samson Ojwang Thursday represented Governor George Natembeya in the tree planting exercise during International Day of Forests at the Endebess Technical Training Institute.
The International Day of Forests, he said, seeks to raise awareness on the importance of all types of forests for environmental, social and economic benefits.
The theme for this year’s celebrations was “Forests and innovation New Solutions for a better World”.
Endebess Assistant County Commissioner Maurice Karani told farmers who run to report those cutting trees to also be reporting on the trees planted within their vicinity.
The Director of NEMA Stanley Ambasa underscored the need for planting of indigenous trees and warned against planting of Eucalyptus trees along riverbanks and homes.
He said many farmers had been dubbed to believe that Eucalyptus trees had more monetary value.
The Government, he said, had brought in new regulations overseeing payments to farmers planting indigenous trees in their homesteads.
Kenya Wildlife Services Director Elijah Chege Said destruction of forests is an assault on the protection of Flora and Fauna.
He urged Trans Nzoia residents to practice local tourism.
Speaking at the Endebess Technical Training Institute, Ojwang who underscored the significance of trees said humanity has had to survive Courtesy of forests.
He noted that sustainable production and conservation of environmental resources was key to mitigating effects of climate change.
He told residents to take charge and plant at least 30 trees in their homesteads to achieve the President’s directive that the Country Plants at least 15 billion trees this year alone.
The CECM said wetlands conservation calls for a comprehensive and integrated concerted effort to avert further depletion of the same.
The CECM said wetlands have immense socio-economic and ecological importance as they are directly linked to livelihoods and food security besides being crucial for the survival of natural biodiversity.
However, he regretted that wetlands are facing threats from the apparent rapid degrading ecosystems occasioned by habitat destruction, garbage dumping, encroachment and water pollution due to industrial effluents and fertilizer/herbicides discharged by farmers.
He also decried what he termed as rampant encroachment and mismanagement of wetlands in the County.
He said that there is a need to invest in human and political capital to save existing wetlands from the two vices and restore those already degraded.
He revealed that the Governor’s program of Nawiri, Ukombozi Economic empowerment, Elimu bursary and Free Certified seeds distribution goes a long way in uplifting the lives of residents of the entire County.
He said the recent rolling out of the Governor’s Nawiri, Ukombozi Economic Empowerment, Elimu Bursary and Free Certified seeds distribution has significantly stimulated Economic activities in the county.
Endebess Deputy County Commissioner Stanley Too pledged continued support to the National Government and County Governments’ 15 billion and 11 Percent Respectively.
County Conservator Eli Tinda said in line with the Greening Initiative the residents need to have a collaborative approach in enhancing tree planting in order to reach the 15 billion targets set by the President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto.
He challenged farmers to plant at least 15 trees among them fruit trees in their homesteads.
Endebess Assistant County Commissioner Maurice Karani noted that tree planting has played a critical role in enhancing soil and water conservation with the trees enhancing land conservation by preventing soil erosion as well as proper grazing management.
Mr. Karani said farmers who report those destroying trees should also be on the frontline giving reports on the number of trees planted to enable the government to keep its records.
Water, Environmental, Natural Resources and Climate Change Chief Officer Dorothy Nyukuri supported efforts to invigorate forest and landscape restoration in Trans Nzoia County.
She challenged farmers to at least set aside 10 Percent of their land and plant trees in their homes to realize the County’s target.
The Chief Officer said “Growing of trees was of paramount importance in reversing the harsh effects of Climate Change.
She said the County Government of Trans Nzoia had made deliberate efforts to beautify Kitale Town through tree Planting in Kitale Town and other Sub County Headquarters.
The celebrations were attended by various stakeholders involved in the conservation and management of forests including Chepchoina Assistant County Commissioner Henry Kirwa, Kephis Regional Manager Thomas Kosiom, Water and Environment County Director of Administration Sarah Kogo, Director of Environment Godfrey Wekesa, Endebess Sub County Administrator Dennis Nyukuri, Development partners, the private sector organizations as well as corporate leaders in Trans Nzoia among others.
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