Makueni: Makueni County's Chief Officer for Environment, Natural Resources, Mining, and Climate Change, Dr. Geoffrey Muthoka, has called on the youth to be at the forefront in planting trees to conserve the environment. Muthoka emphasized the importance of inculcating a culture of tree planting among young people to improve degraded environments and conserve them for future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Muthoka highlighted the multifaceted benefits of trees, stating, "We, the young people, should understand that trees are not only there to provide shade during hot weather but also know that they are a source of life and offer food and economic opportunities." He further stressed that involving youth in tree planting fosters a sense of responsibility towards environmental matters.
The remarks were made during celebrations to mark the International Day of Forests at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Wote town. The event, themed 'Forest and Food,' saw participation from stakeholders including the Red Cross, Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), Kibwezi Well-Wishers Organisation, Green Belt Movement, Kenya Forest Services, the County Government of Makueni, and SEKU students, who collectively planted 1,500 tree seedlings. Among these were 800 fruit trees, indigenous trees, and other species.
Prof. Josphert Kimatu, SEKU Director of Wote Campus, underscored the potential of special forests in Arid and Semi-Arid areas, particularly baobab trees, as valuable resources that benefit local communities. He explained that baobab forests could thrive in Makueni, offering water for porridge and being rich in vitamins and minerals.
Prof. Kimatu also pointed out the untapped potential of dryland forests due to a lack of capacity, urging the government and stakeholders to enhance forest development in these areas to improve the environment. He suggested that investing in forests could turn the country into a tourist attraction by growing baobab and Terminalia brownie, which are important for carvings and medicinal value.
Makueni County Forest Conservator, Martin Mutie, advocated for growing tree seedlings for immediate use, such as fruit trees, in addition to indigenous trees that take longer to mature. "Each person should grow trees for food and medicine. Trees are an economic driver for the country," Mutie stated.