Lugari: The Department of Probation and Aftercare Service in Lugari Sub County, Kakamega County, initiated a significant tree-planting drive at Lumakanda Township Comprehensive School, aligning with the government's objective of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event saw the participation of department staff, probationers, Junior Secondary School learners, and teachers, resulting in the planting of 3000 trees. This effort is in line with President William Ruto's vision for national tree growing and ecosystem restoration, aiming for a 30 percent tree cover throughout the country.
The head of the department, Justina Mutiso, expressed their commitment to mitigating the effects of global warming through increased tree planting. She emphasized the importance of the exercise in conserving the environment, with learners being encouraged to adopt and nurture the trees to maturity. Additionally, probationers and community service offenders were involved to gain skills in tree planting and environmental conservation.
Sub County Forest Officer Nelson Misigo urged residents to engage in tree planting to combat climate change. He highlighted the current low tree cover in Kakamega County, which stands at 11 percent, and encouraged learners to plant more trees at home to help achieve the 30 percent target by 2032.
Misigo also noted the benefits of trees, such as providing timber and fuel, advocating for community support in tree-planting initiatives to reap these benefits in the future. The national campaign, launched by President Ruto in December 2022, aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to increase the country's tree cover to 30 percent.