Launching the tree planting initiative at Kiharu Technical College in Murang’a town, Red Cross Coordinator for Nyeri and Murang’a counties, Malcolm Kanyoko, said the Kenya Red Cross will partner with other organisations to realise the programme.
Kanyoko noted that the Red Cross is working to support the government’s initiative of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
“We are here to address global climate changes for a sustainable future. As we mark 60 years of serving humanity in various ways, we have set a target of planting 60 million trees in the next two years,” Kanyoko said.
The Coordinator underscored the importance of tree planting and reforestation in efforts to combat climate change and global warming.
“Red Cross will be working with various organizations, groups, and learning institutions to realize our target of tree planting. Areas slated for tree planting include riparian areas, school compounds, and government forests,” he added.
Kanyoko called upon other stakeholders to participate in an upcoming mass tree planting event, slated for next week, aiming to plant 15,000 trees in several forests within Murang’a County.
During the event, nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Gladys Wambui, urged college students to play an active role in planting tree seedlings and preserving them.
Wambui emphasized the need for proper care, including mulching, adding manure, and regular watering, to ensure the seedlings thrive.
“Irresponsibility in conserving the environment leads to the drying-up of rivers, which results in water rationing in parts of our county,” Wambui remarked.
She announced plans to donate orange and Hass avocado seedlings to various local schools once the rainy season begins, highlighting the dual benefits of trees in both environmental conservation and economic growth.
Through her Mama Mazingira Foundation, Wambui pledged to contribute both trees and manpower to the Red Cross initiative, further supporting the planting of the 15,000 trees in the upcoming week.
Senior Assistant County Commissioner, Peter Mutoka, said the effort to plant trees is not limited to special events.
He encouraged individuals to plant at least 30 trees annually, reinforcing the significance of this nationwide initiative.
“The National Government has set a target of 15 billion trees by 2032, and Murang’a County has been allocated a target of 134 million trees. Our County Commissioner launched the program last year in Gatare Forest in Aberdare Ranges, and today’s participation is a significant step toward achieving this target,” Mutoka said.
The ACC continued, “The program aims to not only mitigate climate change but also restore arable land and encourage sustainable agricultural practices. As the rains begin, the hope is that this initiative will help rejuvenate local ecosystems and foster long-term environmental resilience.”
The collaborative efforts of the Red Cross and its partners highlight a powerful example of community-driven action in the fight against climate change.
In collaboration with various state and non-state actors such as the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Kakuzi, the Kenya Red Cross planted 500 trees on the college grounds.
By Bernard Munyao and Alex Ndegwa
