Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Aurelia Rono, representing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, led the national tree planting exercise in Tharaka-Nithi County.
The event aimed to plant 100,000 trees across the county, aligning with the government's directive on November 6th, designating it as the national tree planting day.
The PS emphasized the President's commitment to environmental matters, as today's initiative contributes to Kenya's landscape and restoration program, aspiring to grow 15 billion trees by 2032. Tharaka Nithi County, with a current tree cover of 26.89%, surpasses the national average of 12.1%.
The ongoing tree planting efforts reveal notable progress, with 520,000 trees already planted in schools and 24,000 in forested areas during the current rainy season.
By week's end, the county aims to plant over 790,000 seedlings, striving for a 30% tree cover target by the conclusion of the rainy season.
Governor Muthomi Njuki highlighted the county government's collaboration with the national government to enhance tree cover.
Despite facing cultural challenges, the Governor issued an executive order prohibiting beekeeping activities in the county's 67 hills.
This decision addresses individuals exploiting beekeeping as a guise for forest destruction and charcoal production.
Governor Njuki also emphasized the need for tea factories to transition to alternative energy sources, urging collaboration to explore options like hydroelectric power.
Additionally, he advised the County Department of Energy to seek alternative energy sources, aiming to reduce charcoal usage that contributes to tree cover depletion.
Leaders present at the event included Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara, NCPB Chairman Samwel Mbae Ragwa, and several MCAs, underscoring the collective commitment to environmental sustainability.
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