Busia: The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Deborah Barasa, has announced a new initiative encouraging public registration and licensing for producing tree seedlings. This move aims to empower women, youth groups, and community organizations and support the 15 billion trees initiative.
According to Kenya News Agency, Barasa highlighted the importance of local seedling production during her speech at the 2nd anniversary of the Western Women Congress at Busibwabo Secondary School. She emphasized the government's plan to purchase quality seedlings from communities, reducing the need for transportation from Nairobi and enhancing local livelihoods. Barasa delivered 40,000 seedlings, primarily fruit trees, which she noted would provide a source of income for many.
Barasa also called on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, to unite leaders from the western region to foster regional prosperity. Wetangula, in response, urged the Western Women Congress leadership to collaborate with national leaders and leverage government initiatives for community empowerment. He emphasized the economic benefits of empowering women and encouraged public cooperation to achieve greater success.
Wetangula further mentioned the government's efforts to expand the Kisumu-Busia highway, aiming to reduce accidents and improve the movement of goods, thereby boosting the economy. Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda highlighted the critical role of women in community leadership and encouraged women to seize business and agricultural opportunities. Similarly, Busia County Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo emphasized nurturing young girls and women to become future leaders and capitalize on available opportunities.