Meru, Kenya – Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development, has called on the residents of Meru County to integrate tree planting into private events such as birthdays and weddings. Speaking at Kithoka primary school during the tree planting day, Malonza emphasized the importance of extending tree planting beyond public spaces to private areas to expedite the achievement of the country’s 15 billion tree cover target.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county had set a goal of planting 11,815,792 trees and has nearly reached this target with the planting of 10 million trees. Now, the county is aiming to double this number by 2032. Malonza commended the Commissioner and the residents for their efforts, suggesting that Meru could lead the nation in tree planting. The Cabinet Secretary also stressed the planting of fruit trees like macadamia to tackle food insecurity and potentially establish a local factory, boosting income and food security.
Additionally, Malonza promised to address the issue of residents being removed from the lower Imenti forest at higher government levels. The residents were previously allowed to plant crops in the forest, along with trees, and were responsible for their care.