Trees planted to reclaim landslide areas in West Pokot

West Pokot county government and the Kenya Forest Service have started planting the first of 100,000 seedlings in areas ravaged by landslides.

Deforestation is a major cause of landslides.

Speaking during the launch at Kapaenguria, Governor John Lonyangapuo asked residents from landslide areas to plant trees and ensure the area has more than 10 per cent forest cover.

He said so far more than 27,000 seedlings have been distributed for planting during the rainy season.

They have been distributed at Nyarkulian, Parua, Kerelwa, Tamkal, Chekomos, Sekerr and Alale.

Lonyangapuo said university students, farmers and land owners have been given the seedlings to plant in school compounds, farms, hilly areas and government forests.

“My government wants to inculcate the culture of tree planting and conservation," he said.

The governor urged farmers and youth groups with ready seedlings to register to reach the target of 100,000 tree seedlings.

“My government intends to plant trees across the county especially in hills and catchment areas during this rainy season,” the governor said.

County leaders said many residents have worsened deforestation by cutting trees to burn charcoal and this has led to mudslides as there are no roots to hold the soil together.

Peace ambassador Tecla Lorupe said many residents are burning charcoal to earn a living. She said once most hills were covered with trees and vegetation but human activities have led to bare land.

“The hills have been cleared and nobody is bothering to plant more trees to replace those that have been cut,” she said.

(Edited by V. Graham)