Plant Trees for a Better Environment organization is
partnering with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for continuous tree growing in
Homa Bay.
The community-based organization’s patron, Nuhu Omollo
Masud, said their collaboration is aimed at improving tree cover and meeting
the agenda of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 as directed by President William
Ruto.
In this target, Homa Bay is expected to plant and grow 15
million trees, where residents should plant 1.49 million every year.
The organization has already planted more than 800,000 trees
across the county since 2023.
Masud argued that his passion for conserving the environment
has also pushed him to grow trees. He has initiated the ‘Back to School with a
Seedling’ programme, where learners plant trees in schools during the opening.
“The organization has the intention of continuously planting
and growing trees to improve the environment. The agenda also helps us to fight
the negative impact of climate change,” Masud said.
Speaking when he took the initiative to Homa Bay town, Masud
said their collaboration efforts have enabled them to enhance tree cover in the
county.
According to Homa Bay Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Conservator, Sharon Cheluget, the county has improved tree cover from 2.7 to 6.14 per cent.
Masud urged residents to embrace growing trees as a culture
to ensure success in the fight against the negative impact of climate change.
The organization prioritizes planting trees in schools,
colleges, government offices, funerals, holidays, and other celebration events.
“The majority of people understand the significance of having
trees around them. Let’s grow trees to fight drought,” he said.
Trees have been planted at the UDA party office in Homa Bay
town.
The party chairman in Homa Bay Town Constituency, Franklin
Oluoch, said Masud provides them with tree seedlings for planting during their
meetings.
Masud has been awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC)
for his passion for growing trees in the county.
“Planting trees at Homa Bay UDA office is a symbolic gesture
of appreciation in honor of Masud after he was conferred with HSC. We recognize
and underscore a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and public
service,” Oluoch said.
Cheluget said Masud has helped them in their mission of
sensitizing residents on the importance of growing trees.
The government is allowing him to access its institutions to
plant and promote tree growing.
Masud has more than six nursery beds where they raise
seedlings. Each nursery bed has at least 2,000 various trees, including fruit
trees.
“Let members of the public adopt trees for the successful growth
of the trees they plant. Trees are instrumental in environmental conservation,”
Cheluget said.
