CS TOBIKO HAILS MILITARY CONSERVATION EFFORTS

CS Keriako Tobiko waters a tree during the internatinal year of forest at Kibiku forest in Ngong.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Mr. Keriako Tobiko has hailed the Kenya Defence Forces for their civil efforts to conserve and protect the Environment.

He noted that the military personnel had stamped their authority in environment conservation by volunteering to plant over 3 million tree seedlings during the current long rains adding that the activity would enhance the national effort of achieving a tree cover of 15% by 2022.

The CS was speaking during this year’s International Day of Forests (IDF) celebrated at Wangari Maathai corner at Karura forest where over 10,000 tree seedlings were planted. He also joined members of the KDF who planted tree seedlings at Kibiku area of Ngong forest.

The event was also attended by dignitaries including Environment Ministers from Ethiopia and Somalia, representatives from Uganda, Africa Union Commission among others from various countries.

Mr. Tobiko said that the country had overwhelming support for conservation from various communities, civil society, Non Governmental Organizations and diverse stakeholders. He urged Kenyans to utilize the current long rains to plant trees in their farms and compounds.

Kenyans he observed had a basic responsibility of protecting their motherland from wanton degradation and challenged members of the Law Society of Kenya to contribute towards protection and conservation through offering pro bono legal services to the numerous environment cases appearing in courts of law across the country.

The CS said that his Ministry would   spearhead massive clean up exercise by teaming up with county governments in major cities of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu in an effort to manage the enormous amounts of  garbage that were an eye sore and health hazard.

Others who participated in tree planting to mark the IDF were Environment PS Mr. Charles Sunkuli, chairman of KFS Peter Kinyua, Friends of Karura patron Prof. Karanja Njoroge, among others.

CS Environment & Forestry Keriako Tobiko plants a tree during the International Year of Forest at the Wangari Maathai Corner at Karura Forest.