Murang'a: The Murang'a county Senator Joe Nyutu has urged the government to put in place stricter measures to curb deforestation by protecting forests and riparian areas across the country. Speaking during a tree-planting drive in Kandara constituency, spearheaded by Joe Nyutu Foundation, the senator said continued destruction of forests had contributed to the growing adverse effects of global warming like droughts, floods, heat waves, along with rising sea levels, hence posing a serious threat to future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nyutu highlighted reports of deforestation activities in areas such as Karura forest, and even constructions in some forested areas, stressing the need for the government to prioritize environmental care and implement robust measures to halt such destruction. He emphasized that while global warming was imminent, combating the crisis largely depended on a collective commitment to plant and nurture trees to combat deforestation.
The senator commended the government's initiative of planting fruit trees, noting that it would not only help restore forest cover but also provide an economic boost to local communities in the future. He encouraged Murang'a residents to lead in environmental conservation by adopting a practice of planting at least 10 trees for every tree cut down, to ensure a safe future for upcoming generations.
Nyutu also stressed the importance of nurturing planted trees to maturity, particularly during their formative stages when rainfall is unpredictable. He urged participants to water the newly planted trees, even in the face of potentially depressed rainfall this season, as current efforts would determine the seedlings' survival.
Kimani Henry, the manager of Joe Nyutu Foundation, reported that the organization had planted over 3,600 tree seedlings, including indigenous species with ecological and medicinal value, in various schools across the county. Cape Media Limited and Mount Kenya University, partners in the event, pledged ongoing support for environmental conservation efforts through awareness and research initiatives.
Festus Nduva of Mount Kenya University encouraged residents to plant tree varieties that can thrive in different climatic conditions, emphasizing continuous research to identify trees that perform best in various regions and offer economic benefits, even in dry seasons.
A local farmer, Joe Ndung'u, who participated in the tree-planting exercise, remarked on the initiative's timely intervention in restoring the environment and improving livelihoods. He highlighted the dual environmental and economic value of tree planting, predicting that fruit trees would provide shade, food, and even income for families in the coming years.