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The National Treasury PS said he was encouraged to see those who turned out for the exercise to make it a success.
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Kiptoo said the event is not a one-time thing but rather a commitment to plant and nurture trees to maturity.
Image: HANDOUT
National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo joined the people of Kajiado for the national tree-planting exercise.
Kiptoo who was the chief guest joined Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku for the exercise in Loitoktok Forest.
He said the 15 billion tree planting initiative is every Kenyan’s duty and nobody should be excluded.
"We thank President William Ruto for setting this day as a National Holiday to encourage Kenyans to embrace a culture of tree growing, to reduce the effects of climate change, stop biodiversity loss and reduce the negative impact of human activities on our environment," Kiptoo said.
The National Treasury PS said he was encouraged to see those who turned out for the exercise to make it a success.
Kiptoo said the event is not a one-time thing but rather a commitment to plant and nurture trees to maturity.
"The county forest cover is currently at 10.94 per cent with a tree cover of 9.03 per cent. For Kajiado to meet its tree cover target of 19.09 per cent, it needs to grow 623 million trees by 2032," he said.
"This translates to 62 million trees every year."
He further expressed his joy in Kajiado taking part in the exercise as well as establishing a model tree nursery.
"I'm happy Kajiado is leading by example because the Kenya Forest Service and partners such as World Wide Fund-Kenya and Community Forest Associations, have established a Model tree nursery which has a target of 1.3 million seedlings annually which has provided over 10,000 tree seedlings for today’s tree growing activity," the PS said.
Kiptoo said the model tree nursery will be key in supporting the county in its efforts to meet its target of producing 623 million seedlings by 2032.
He therefore called on partners to support the establishment of similar nurseries in target locations, for easy access, affordability and sustainability of the tree-growing movement.
"We need to plant 32 million trees in Kajiado this season. We have planted 12 million trees this year, an effort in the right direction but more is required to bridge the 20 million deficit for this season," Kiptoo said.
He further said Kenya Forest Service and other partners are embarking on a one-week rapid tree growing of continuing with the exercise.
He urged all to take advantage of the rains to support the noble initiative.
"We know nature pays. If Kajiado achieves its target, it will have a positive impact on people’s lives in many sectors. It will mean more money in your pockets, lead to improved food security, climate stability and a healthy environment," he said.
Kiptoo said the trees planted will go a long way in enhancing the country’s economic growth.
He said it will enhance sectors of economy forest support that include agriculture, energy, tourism, health and timber industries among others.
"The benefits of what we are doing will be felt long after today, which will lead to sustainable development and a better environment for us and future generations," he said.