NAIROBI, Nov 11 (NNN-KBC) — The government has rallied Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to take part in the nationwide tree-planting drive slated for Monday.
Monday, Nov 13 has been declared a special holiday during which the public across the Country shall be expected to plant trees as a patriotic contribution to the national efforts to save the Country from the devastating effects of Climate Change.
Members of the public are advised to visit their nearest Chief’s office for tree seedlings and liaise with the area Assistant County Commissioner and Deputy County Commissioner in respective Counties.
President William Ruto will lead the country in the launch of the exercise at Kiu Wetland in Makindu, Makueni County. The Ministry of Environment has mapped out specific sites per County for simultaneous launches.
Internal Security and National Administration PS Dr. Raymond Omollo says National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) will be supporting the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry in coordinating the exercise which is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme – towards the growing of 15 billion trees.
“Following the gazettement of the National Tree Growing Day set for the 13th of November 2023, we urge all Kenyans to participate in the exercise that will be led by President William Ruto” he said in a statement.
County Commissioners have already convened technical planning teams in their respective counties comprising representatives from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) among other government and non-government stakeholders.
“At the County level, tree-growing activities will be championed by Cabinet Secretaries in at least two counties, hosted by respective Governors and supported by Principal Secretaries, County Commissioners, and other Senior Government/State officials,” Dr Omollo said.
Each Cabinet Secretary has adopted and will champion tree-growing activities in at least two Counties.
“They will team up with respective leaders in those counties; Governors, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies among others” said Environment CS Soipan Tuya.
The National Tree Growing Day has been set aside taking advantage of the ongoing short rains.
The national target for the short rains season is 500 Million seedlings.
The government has launched a mobile application dubbed JazaMiti which means “fill with trees” in Swahili, for tracking tree planting progress across the country. — NNN-KBC