Garissa: Garissa county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo has issued a stern warning against charcoal burning and illegal tree logging in the county, emphasizing that action will be taken against those involved. Speaking during the International Day of Forestry celebrations at County High School, Mwabudzo highlighted the government's commitment to curbing these activities to enhance forest cover and mitigate climate change impacts in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwabudzo stated, "Charcoal burning and tree logging is banned as far as we are concerned. We have a challenge with enforcement but we will discuss in detail the techniques that would ensure that these activities do not thrive or continue." He urged deputy county commissioners to ensure that charcoal burning does not occur in their sub-counties and warned of strict action against offenders, including those transporting charcoal.
In line with President William Ruto's directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, the county commissioner led various state agencies, county government officials, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), NEMA, and non-governmental organizations in planting over 2000 tree seedlings.
Mwabudzo also shared that the county has initiated programs like the Chiefs Climate Action, held monthly, aiming to boost forest cover. These programs integrate trees into farming systems to harmonize agricultural practices with forest conservation.
This year's International Day of Forestry, themed 'Forests and Food,' calls for collective action to promote practices that allow for the sustainable collection of forest products, emphasizing the importance of forests in food systems and the necessity of their preservation.