Murang’a: The Kenya Red Cross Organisation has launched an ambitious initiative to plant 60 million tree seedlings within the next two years. This initiative is aimed at marking 60 years since the organisation began offering humanitarian services in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative was launched at Kiharu Technical College in Murang’a town by Malcolm Kanyoko, the Red Cross Coordinator for Nyeri and Murang’a counties. Kanyoko emphasized that the Kenya Red Cross would partner with other organizations to realize the program, supporting the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Kanyoko highlighted the importance of tree planting and reforestation efforts in combating climate change and global warming. He stated that the Red Cross plans to collaborate with various organizations, groups, and educational institutions to achieve their tree planting target. The areas designated for planting include riparian zones, school compounds, and government forests.
Kanyoko also urged other stakeholders to join an upcoming mass tree planting event next week, which aims to plant 15,000 trees in several forests within Murang’a County. During the event, nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Gladys Wambui encouraged college students to actively participate in planting and preserving tree seedlings. She stressed the importance of proper care for the seedlings, including mulching, adding manure, and regular watering.
Wambui announced plans to donate orange and Hass avocado seedlings to local schools with the onset of the rainy season, underscoring the dual benefits of trees in environmental conservation and economic growth. Through her Mama Mazingira Foundation, Wambui pledged to contribute both trees and manpower to the Red Cross initiative, further supporting the planting of 15,000 trees in the upcoming week.
Senior Assistant County Commissioner Peter Mutoka emphasized that tree planting efforts should extend beyond special events. He encouraged individuals to plant at least 30 trees annually, reinforcing the significance of this nationwide initiative. Mutoka noted that Murang’a County has been allocated a target of 134 million trees as part of the national goal of 15 billion trees by 2032.
The collaborative efforts of the Red Cross and its partners serve as a powerful example of community-driven action in the fight against climate change. In conjunction with various state and non-state actors such as the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Kakuzi, the Kenya Red Cross planted 500 trees on the college grounds.