HOPS Leads Tree-Growing drive in Chepalungu Forest, Bomet County
On Monday, 17 June 2024, Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, alongside Wanjiku Wakogi, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy President, spearheaded the monthly tree-growing exercise by the Executive Office of the President this time at Chepalungu Forest, Bomet County.
The staff of the Executive Office of the President actively participated in this event as they seek to achieve their target of 1 million trees annually. Over 115,000 indigenous trees were planted as over 2000 fruit trees (Avocados) were distributed to the local community for planting at their farms. 8000 exotic trees mostly Casuarina and Cypress were also distributed to Chepalungu residents. His Excellency the President Dr. William Ruto gave a directive for all Kenyan Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to contribute to the government's ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Following this directive, the Ministry of Environment allocated the Executive Office of the President the Nairobi City County, Chogoria Forest in Tharaka Nithi County and Chepalungu forest in Chepalungu, Bomet.
The event saw numerous distinguished participants, including Dr. Hillary Barchok, Governor of Bomet; David Shadrack Rotich, his Deputy Governor; Isaac Ruto Deputy Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC); Hon. Victor Koech, Member of Parliament for Chepalungu; former Bomet Women Representative, Hon. Cecilia Ngetich, and local community members. Their involvement underscored the collective effort and community engagement vital to the success of this environmental initiative.
Planting trees plays a crucial role in environmental conservation by enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and mitigating climate change. This effort coincided with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, highlighting the importance of reforestation in preventing desertification, restoring degraded land, and promoting sustainable land management. The ongoing reforestation efforts in Kenya stand as a testament to the government's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, paving the way for a greener future for all.
