Busia: The Cabinet Secretary for East Africa Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, has called upon the residents of Busia to actively participate in planting trees to boost environmental conservation. In a speech delivered by the Administrative Secretary at the State Department of East Africa Community, Susan Waweru, at Bunyala Technical Institute, Askul highlighted the department’s commitment to increasing the country’s forest cover, as evidenced by the planting of 5,500 trees at Port Victoria forest station.

According to Kenya News Agency, Askul emphasized the department’s goal of planting 5 million trees this year, with 1.4 million already planted, including 50,000 in Busia County. She underscored the vital connection between the community’s health and prosperity and the environment’s health, advocating for more tree planting and conservation efforts. Askul stated that trees play a crucial role in regulating the climate, purifying air and water, and preventing soil erosion.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed the importance of collective responsibility among all stakeholders in addressing environmental degradation and mitigating climate change effects. Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga encouraged residents to plant fruit-bearing trees, highlighting their multiple benefits, including food, firewood, timber, and shade.

Chaunga also urged residents to record all tree seedlings through the Jaza Miti app via local area chiefs for accurate documentation. Busia County Forest Conservator Branice Wanyonyi assured that staff at Port Victoria forest would ensure the care of the planted trees, with a target of 20,000 trees to be planted before the rainy season ends.

Busia County Red Cross Coordinator James Akello stated that their organization aims to plant 200,000 trees across the county, utilizing Red Cross clubs in schools and TVETs, while involving local communities and women groups in the initiative.

Busia County Director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Cliff Barkatch, warned residents against using banned plastic bags, citing ongoing legal actions against traders caught with them, and called for the removal of asbestos roofs due to health risks.

This tree planting effort is part of a national government initiative to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.