Homa bay: The Patron of Plant Trees for a Better Environment, Nuhu Omollo Masud, has embarked on a significant partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to contribute to the government's ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Masud emphasized that Homa Bay's target is to plant 15 million trees over this period, with an annual goal of planting at least 1.49 million trees.
According to Kenya News Agency, Masud's organization has already made considerable progress, having planted over 800,000 trees across the county since 2023. The initiative includes a 'back to school with a seedling' program that engages learners in tree planting activities during school opening days. Masud expressed the organization's dedication to continuously planting trees to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve environmental conditions.
Masud further stated that their collaborative efforts with KFS have significantly enhanced the tree cover in Homa Bay County. Homa Bay KFS Conservator Sharon Cheluget reported a notable increase in the county's tree cover from 2.7 to 10.14 percent. Masud encouraged local residents to adopt tree planting as a cultural practice, aiming to combat climate change effectively.
The tree planting drive spearheaded by Masud's organization targets various public spaces, including schools, colleges, government offices, and events like funerals and weddings. Masud's commitment to environmental sustainability was recognized through a Head of State Commendation (HSC) for his enthusiastic efforts in tree planting.
Cheluget highlighted Masud's significant contribution to raising awareness about the importance of tree planting among residents. The government has facilitated Masud's access to public institutions for promoting tree planting initiatives. The organization maintains more than six nursery beds, each housing at least 2,000 trees, including fruit trees. Cheluget urged the public to view tree planting both as an economic activity and a method of environmental conservation.