Kisumu County Mobilizes for National Tree Planting Day

Kisumu, Kenya – Kisumu County Commissioner Hussein Allasow has issued a call to action for all residents to participate in the National Tree Planting Day scheduled for Monday, November 13. This initiative is part of the government’s ambitious plan to plant at least 15 billion trees by 2032, with the recent declaration of Monday as a public holiday dedicated to nationwide tree planting.

According to Kenya News Agency, Allasow emphasized the need for collaborative efforts during a meeting with various County heads of departments. The County aims to plant 4.3 million tree seedlings during the short rains period, with this target being disseminated down to the sub-location level to foster community involvement and ownership of the environmental conservation program.

Through partnerships with state and non-state agencies, over 100,000 tree seedlings have already been mobilized for planting at more than five suitable sites within the County on Monday. These sites include the Kisumu National Polytechnic, Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT), Kajulu Hills, Koguta Forest, Muhoroni, and Kodiaga Medium Prison.

Allasow urged all staff from Ministries, Departments, Agencies, the private sector, Civil Society Organizations, parastatals, and the public to adopt a collective approach in the environmental conservation campaign to address climate change.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is scheduled to officiate the aggressive tree-planting campaign in Kisumu County on Monday. Kisumu Assistant Conservator, Mr. Martin Ombogo, also speaking at the meeting, highlighted the County’s capacity to produce over 3 million plantable seedlings monthly for various purposes, including aesthetics, boundaries, conservation, hilltops, and fruit trees.

Ombogo emphasized the importance of tapping into this potential to mobilize available tree seedlings for planting, aiming to meet the County’s target. He also encouraged stakeholders and individuals to record and report all tree seedlings planted, aiding in monitoring and guiding the County’s reforestation efforts.