In November 13, 2023, Kenya commemorated a special public holiday dedicated to nationwide tree planting, part of the Presidential Programme for the Accelerated Restoration of Forests and Rangelands.
Led by His Excellency President Ruto, the Nation embarked on an ambitious mission: To plant 15 billion trees and increase Kenya’s forest cover to over 30 percent by 2032.
Nakuru County, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, planted over 175,000 trees at Kabatini, a crucial catchment area for Lake Nakuru. Governor Susan Kihika emphasized the importance of conservation efforts, planting 11,000 indigenous trees to protect local aquifers.
With close to 200,000 trees planted since, Nakuru progresses towards its target of 250 million trees by 2032.
Farmers should strive to have the 10 per cent tree cover on their farms to achieve President William Ruto’s agenda of planting 15 billion trees
Governor Susan Kihika
In Nakuru, the #GoGreen movement is more than just rooting for trees; it’s about securing our planet’s future, fostering healthier communities, and battling climate change head-on.
Now, in 2024, the County Government is spearheading a green makeover, turning health centers and hospital grounds into vibrant green havens.
Led by the County Public Health Officer, George Gachomba, healthcare workers are rolling up their sleeves and planting trees and fruit-bearing plants throughout Nakuru City. Each tree planted symbolizes a commitment to a greener, healthier future for the county.
But it’s not just the government’s responsibility. Every resident has a role to play in this endeavor. As Mr. Gachomba rightly pointed out, the rainy season presents the perfect opportunity for everyone to contribute to the cause.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. As Nakuru residents know all too well, the dry months bring with them extreme heat and water scarcity. By planting trees and promoting green spaces, we’re not only mitigating the effects of climate change but also enhancing our own resilience to its impacts.
On Saturday, April 13, 2024, during a tree planting event at Bondeni Primary School in Nakuru East, the Cabinet Secretary of Water Zack Njeru highlighted the pivotal role of the Mazingira Network in nurturing tree nurseries, a crucial step towards achieving the government’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
As an alumnus of Bondeni Primary School, the CS emphasized the importance of leaders rallying behind such initiatives and supporting the broader government agenda. To commemorate the occasion, a dedicated corner was established within the school grounds, aptly named the Zack Njeru Forest.
We are very grateful for what the Mazingira Network is doing. This is in line with what the government is doing on achieving over 30 percent forest cover and we shall continue to work with such initiatives.
Water CS Zack Njeru
The event also saw the presence of local MCAs Fadhili Msuri (Biashara Ward) and Neto Sakwa (Kivumbini Ward), among other dignitaries, further underscoring the collective commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.
Whether it’s actively rooting for trees in our own yards or lining the streets with greenery, every effort contributes to a brighter future. With each sapling planted, we’re not just enhancing our surroundings for the present; we’re sowing the seeds of prosperity for generations to come.
But the #GoGreen movement doesn’t stop at tree planting. There are numerous other ways in which Nakuru County can leverage this initiative:
- Renewable Energy Adoption: Invest in solar and wind power.
- Sustainable Transportation: Improve bike lanes, promote carpooling, and introduce electric vehicle charging stations.
- Waste Management Strategies: Establish recycling centers, encourage composting, and reduce single-use plastics.
- Green Infrastructure Development: Create more parks, implement green roof initiatives, and adopt sustainable landscaping practices.
- Environmental Education and Awareness: Launch public campaigns, organize workshops, and integrate environmental topics into school curricula.
Let’s heed the call of our planet and take decisive action to combat climate change. Together, through collective effort and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, we can pave the way for a brighter, greener future for Nakuru and its residents, rooting for trees every step of the way.
The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” It’s time for us to act responsibly and protect our environment for generations to come.
Mahatma Gandhi
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