STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE COUNTRY’S TREE COVER – PS MAINA

Environment and Forestry Principal Secretary Ms Betty Maina waters a tree she planted at Mt Blankett hill in Londiani she is flanked by Kericho County Commissioner Moses Mbaruku and Community Forest Associations members

Environment and Forestry Principal Secretary Ms Betty Maina has called for the revival of county environmental committees to ensure tree growing is advocated for at County levels.

“Increasing the country’s tree cover requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders and counties play an integral role in realization of this dream” She said.

She challenged farmers to diversify from maize farming and venture into commercial tree grow trees which she termed as a lucrative investment. “KEFRI have exotic, indigenous, Bamboo and fruit trees to choose from and they will guide you on the right species to plant”. She advised.

The PS was speaking in Blackett Forest in Londiani, Kericho County where 10,000 trees seedlings were planted.

On his part Kericho County Commissioner Moses Mbaruku promised to deliver on production of half a million tree seedlings before May next year. “We will make use of the Chiefs, Assistant Chief, Village Elders, Nyumba Kumi to establish nurseries so as to ensure we deliver on the President’s directive of five million trees per County per year”. He said.

The County Commissioner said section 10G of the Constitution stipulates the role of chiefs in forest conservation saying Kericho County will have half a million seedlings in readiness for planting in May 2020.

Pupils of Tulwap Primary School plant a tree at Mt Blankett hill in Londiani during the National Tree Planting Campaign for short rains