Elgeyo Marakwet: The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, has emphasized the critical role of trees in enhancing public health. Speaking during a tree-planting exercise at Yokot Dam in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kimtai stressed the direct link between environmental conservation and improved health standards.
According to Kenya News Agency, the PS underscored the health benefits of trees, urging residents to plant more, including fruit-bearing trees that would contribute to better nutrition. "Fruits harvested from these trees will help boost the health of our people. Trees also improve air quality and provide shade, reducing cases of heat-related illnesses," Kimtai noted.
He further encouraged the community to nurture the trees they plant to ensure they reach maturity, enhancing environmental sustainability. The tree-planting initiative was conducted in partnership with the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government, as part of the national government's broader reforestation agenda.
Governor Wisley Rotich, who was present at the event, reaffirmed the county's commitment to planting 60 million trees over the next seven to eight years. "The Ministry of Health was given the responsibility by the national government to ensure that Elgeyo Marakwet meets this ambitious target," said Governor Rotich.
Kimtai also emphasized the importance of Yokot Dam, describing it as a vital resource for irrigation. To prevent siltation, he noted that more trees had been planted around the dam to protect its water levels. The PS announced that tree seeds would be distributed to communities, enabling them to establish nurseries and contribute to reforestation efforts.
"We want the Community Forest Association (CFA) to encourage their members to establish nurseries and plant more trees. This way, when we need seedlings, we can buy them from local farmers, ensuring that everyone plays a role in conserving the environment," said Kimtai.
Kimtai emphasized that the tree-planting initiative would be accompanied by medical camps, ensuring that as environmental conservation continues, so does community healthcare. "A healthy environment translates to a healthy population. As we plant trees, we will also set up medical camps to provide essential healthcare services," he said.
He added that as residents generate wealth, the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that the entire community remains healthy. He added that the tree-planting initiative aligns with Kenya's national reforestation strategy and demonstrates a collaborative effort between health and environmental sectors to foster a healthier, greener future.