Rachuonyo South Sub-county - Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) David Kiprop emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in decisions that affect them, particularly in projects and environmental initiatives. The DCC was speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebration, held at Nyatindo Primary School grounds in the Oyugis Division.

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, Kiprop pointed out that the Constitution of 2010 mandates public participation in key decisions. Projects lacking such participation, he warned, would not have the legitimacy they require to be sustainable over the long term. The Deputy County Commissioner appealed to leaders across the sub-county to collaborate with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to actively engage the community in decision-making processes.

Addressing the tree-planting and re-greening efforts in the country, the DCC mentioned the government's ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. He stressed that the goal could not be achieved without the proactive involvement of sub-counties. Kiprop called on NGAO officials, school principals, and head teachers to work closely together to help the sub-county reach its 10% tree cover goal, which currently stands at 4%.

The Deputy County Commissioner highlighted that Rachuonyo South Sub-county is currently 6% short of the tree cover target. During the Mashujaa Day celebration, approximately 150 tree seedlings were planted in the school compound. Kiprop urged that efforts should not just focus on planting trees, but also on ensuring their protection and growth to maturity.

"Schools are key areas in which we can think of in terms of planting trees," Kiprop said. He concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving the area's environmental and public participation targets.