Trans Nzoia Embarks on Major Tree Planting Drive Led by Education CS Machogu

Trans Nzoia, Kenya – Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu spearheaded a significant tree planting drive in Trans Nzoia County, marking an important step in Kenya’s national environmental conservation efforts.

According to Kenya News Agency, the tree planting event at Kimothon Forest in Saboti Sub County is part of Kenya’s broader landscape and ecosystem restoration program. This initiative aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a project championed by President William Ruto. Machogu, who personally planted 50 tree seedlings, emphasized the diverse benefits of trees, including their role in water catchment, wildlife habitat, soil quality improvement, job creation, and climate change mitigation.

The government’s current goal is to expand the country’s forest cover from 12 percent to 30 percent. Machogu expressed satisfaction with Trans Nzoia’s progress, noting that the region has approximately 15 percent of its land under forest cover, but stressed the need for continued efforts. He committed to regularly monitoring the tree planting initiative in the county.

During the event, a total of 34,000 tree seedlings of various species were planted in Kimothon Forest, including 10,000 indigenous species. County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi revealed that across Trans Nzoia County, 108,000 tree seedlings were planted on Monday. Oyagi extended his gratitude to the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Seed Company, and Kitale National Polytechnic, among other stakeholders, for their contribution to the tree seedlings. He encouraged public participation in the national tree planting exercise and emphasized the importance of nurturing the planted trees to maturity. Families living near gazetted forests were specifically called upon to take charge of tree care and protection.

Governor George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia committed to providing 11 million seedlings annually for distribution to each department for planting, reinforcing the county’s dedication to achieving the national tree planting target.