[PHOTOS] PS Muthoni leads tree planting exercise in West Pokot

Public Health PS Mary Muthoni on Thursday spearheaded a tree-planting exercise in West Pokot.

This is part of the government's effort to achieve 30 per cent tree cover by 2032.

The tree planting initiative was held at Chewoyet High School in collaboration with West Pokot County Government.

The aim is to plant more than 12,000 seedlings sourced from Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Medical Training School Kapenguria campus) and local nurseries.

The exercise was attended by the public and students, actively participating in planting and nurturing the seedlings.

“We have carefully chosen this site due to concerns about the Lelan forest's condition, threatened by encroachment,” Muthoni said.

Also present were West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdulai and Benjamin Korir from Kenya Forest Service.

To achieve a 30 per cent tree cover by 2032, the government has developed a National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy.

The goal is to restore the 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes and ecosystems by 2032, by growing 15 billion trees for improved ecological functionality, resilience to climate change and better livelihoods.

According to government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the National Tree Growing Day held on May 10 saw 14 million trees planted across the country.

“There is still need for more trees and the government is urging all Kenyans, to plant additional trees within their homes, neighborhoods and institutions,” Mwaura said.

Mwaura said Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei will officiate a tree planting exercise in Nairobi County on May 24.