Nyeri: The ambassador for the 15 billion tree planting campaign, Truphena Muthoni, has urged Kenyans to take advantage of the short rains to plant more trees. Muthoni emphasized that the president's ambitious target can only be achieved through a collective effort, highlighting the need for every citizen to participate in the campaign. "I would like to urge all of us to take advantage of the short rains and plant as many trees as possible. We need to take personal responsibility and make our country green," she said.
According to Kenya News Agency, Muthoni announced her partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and other state agencies, as well as like-minded organizations, to raise public awareness about the importance of planting trees to reach the 15 billion tree target by 2032. The environmentalist made these remarks at Kabirui-ini Forest in Nyeri County, where she led Kenya Forest Service officers in planting 1,000 indigenous trees.
The Kabirui-ini Forest is home to a variety of indigenous tree species, including the medicinal Carrisa edulis, also known as the Loliondo Wonder, which has historically attracted people to Tanzania in search of its healing concoctions. "We have planted a lot of medicinal and indigenous trees, which is part of the focus of my campaign. I am championing for indigenous trees because they require little care and have medicinal value," Muthoni stated.
Nyeri County Forest Conservator Esther Mugo noted that Nyeri still boasts the highest tree cover (45.17 percent) in the country. To further enhance these statistics, the county has planted approximately 300 hectares of trees in establishment plantations for timber harvesting. Mugo highlighted that, with the assistance of Community Forest Associations, KFS has rehabilitated 50 hectares of degraded forest areas with indigenous trees.
"We haven't stopped because the rains are still on, especially within the Mt. Kenya forest. I would like to urge Kenyans to plant as many trees as they can, especially along the rivers and near water bodies, so that together, we can fight climate change," Mugo encouraged. She further urged Kenyans, particularly those with large farms, to plant a mix of exotic, indigenous, and fruit trees at home. This would not only provide environmental benefits but also offer health benefits and potential income from fruit harvests.
Additionally, Mugo remarked that the appointment of Truphena as the ambassador of the national 15 billion tree campaign will significantly encourage youth participation. "We feel privileged to have her in the county because she will act as a link between us and the youth. Most of the time young people have not been taking part in the nationwide exercise, but now with Truphena as an ambassador, more youth will be motivated to plant trees," Mugo concluded.