National tree planting campaign launched in Ngong Forest

The Ministry of Environment on Wednesday launched a national tree planting exercise at the Ngong’ Forest reserve where they were set to plant 10,000 trees.

The exercise, which was led by Environment Cabinet Secretary, Keriako Tobiko is part of a campaign to increase forest cover to 10% by the year 2022.

According to the 2015 National Forest Policy, the current forest cover in Kenya is 6.99 per cent which is below the constitutional requirement of 10 per cent.

“All Kenyans, young and old are encouraged to go out and plant as many trees as possible this year as we seek to reverse environmental degradation by doubling forest cover,” Tobiko said.

“We shall join hands with local corporates, schools, disciplined forces and individuals among others to ensure a sustained adoption of a tree planting and nurturing culture.”

Speaking ahead of the event, the CS said the ministry will provide technical support for local public and private sector institutions taking part in the national tree planting campaign.

A multi-sectoral task force comprising of environmental experts was commissioned on Monday by Deputy President William Ruto mandated to determine the extent of environmental degradation and provide practical recommendations to ensure the sustainable restoration of forest resources.