Homa Bay civil society organisations want the county government to allocate more funds for planting trees.
The group said the initiative can be achieved better if the county sets aside enough funds in the 2022-2023 financial year whose preparation is ongoing.
Environmentalists are concerned about low forest cover in the county.
Homa Bay has a forest cover of 2.6 per cent which is too low compared to a recommendation by the Kenya Forest Service.
KFS requires Homa Bay to have a minimum of ten per cent forest cover.
Mathews Owili, the chairman, said it was important to conserve the environment.
He urged all residents to plant more trees.
The group spoke on Monday during a celebration to mark World Forest Dat at Kamato Primary School in Suba North constituency.
Owili urged the county assembly to pass legislation that safeguard the environment and forest cover.
“As a CSO network, we have come up with new concepts of improving tree coverage in Homa Bay. The county assembly should co-operate with others,” he said.
Aluora Makare chairman Willis Omulo said trees are significant for the fight against drought.
The Aluora Makara NGO advocates for a better environment.
He said there is a need for people to plant more trees.
“Trees help in the formation of rainfall which is highly needed for agriculture. We encourage our communities to plant fruits and trees which will help in enhancing food security and conserving the environment,” Omulo said.
Suba subcounty Forest officer Paul Ogwang', said cases of wildfire, illegal logging and encroachment of forest land impede efforts to improve forest cover.
“I urge residents to avoid illegal activities. Poor forest cover harms the lives of the people,” Ogwang said.
Lambwe assistant county commissioner Jackson Sindani said the government will not tolerate people who cut down trees.
“Our forests must be protected at all times,” Sindani said.
Homa Bay gazetted forests include Kodera, Wire, Lambwe, Gwassi, Homa Hills and others.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
