Chuka University Vice Chancellor Prof. Erastus Njoka and County Commissioner Tharaka Nithi County, Beverly Opwora on Thursday visited Gitareni, Kiamuchii and Mukuuni in a tree planting exercise around Chuka Sub- County that saw residents receive over 25,000 trees.
Prof. Njoka went on to sensitize people on agribusiness through planting trees and that it was an important tool in tackling unemployment within the county.
Creation of industries in all the wards was key in the transformation of the county, and according to Njoka, trees like Macadamia would create and open up opportunities for business, industries and job creation.
“The county, in a short time has lost so many trees. Our people had forgot about conserving the environment but now they are embracing tree planting and have realized their lives depend on trees”, he said.
With the county among the 23 counties listed as hit by drought, County Commissioner Beverly Opwora noted that crops were adversely affected by inadequate rains and that giving relief food was part of the short-term interventions the government was working on.
Tea and Coffee farming came out as most affected by drought, as agriculture, health and education sectors ranked the most affected sectors in the county.
According to Opwora, the county so far has achieved 19% tree cover, surpassing the president’s 10% national target. By next year, the county commissioner believes the county will hit 20% tree cover.
“Today, with the invitation of Chuka University to oversee one long term intervention to ensure water security in the area by planting trees”, she said.
Opwora hit out at people against environmental conservation by cutting trees unlawfully, mentioning Itugururu as one of the areas they had received intel on and went on to caution that action would be taken to those found guilty.
“Efforts by Chuka University can’t be successful if people are cutting down trees unlawfully. Security officials will ensure those found engaging in this act. I am asking the residents to work with security personnel in the area to raise alarm if they notice such activities”, she said.
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