The Nairobi county government has announced a drive to plant trees in all water catchment areas in the city.
Governor Johnson Sakaja announced this when he led hundreds of Nairobi residents in marking the inaugural National Tree Planting Day at Dandora Estate Sewage Treatment Works, Ruai ward.
More than 20,000 seedlings were planted around the sewage in support of the government’s plan to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.
Sakaja underscored proper catchment conservation as crucial for mitigating climate change and its effects.
Dandora is the largest wastewater stabilisation pond in Africa. It was chosen as the venue for the tree planting campaign due to its pivotal role in treating 80 per cent of Nairobi's wastewater.
The governor, addressing the gathered crowd, highlighted the critical importance of protecting water catchment areas serving the city.
"We have concurrently planted over 15,000 seedlings within the Nairobi water sources—Ndakaini dam, Sasumua dam, and Ruiru dam—and we intend to make the exercise an annual event," he said.
These three installations supply 84, 12, and four per cent of Nairobi's current water needs, making them vital for the city's sustainability.
The governor urged residents to actively participate in the initiative, emphasising the role tree planting plays in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
He called on Nairobi Water to ensure proper care of the seedlings planted at the wastewater facility to guarantee a high survival rate.
"We are committed to combating climate change by taking the lead in tree-growing efforts. We have set a target of growing more seedlings within the county, involving school-going children to increase the tree cover," he said.
He encouraged Nairobi residents to take advantage of the current downpour, pledging that his administration would make seedlings available and affordable to promote a tree-growing culture in the city.
He highlighted that tree-growing activities could strengthen bonds within communities and promote environmental stewardship.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, County Secretary Patrick Analo, county executives, Ruai MCA James Karis, and Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company leadership, including board chair Arnold Karanja and managing director Nahason Muguna.
The commitment to the tree planting drive was demonstrated by county executives across various portfolios, including Green Nairobi, Innovation and Digital Economy, Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service, Built Environment and Urban Planning, Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Business and Hustlers Opportunities, Mobility and Works, Talent, Skills and Care, Finance and Economic Affairs, and Boroughs, Administration, and Personnel.
All responded to the clarion call for environmental conservation through tree planting.
