Vihiga County on Thursday planted 13,000 trees at Maragoli Hills in to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The County aims to plant 2.3 million trees yearly for ten years.
Speaking during the tree-planting exercise, National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) CEO Samson Taniok lauded the residents for collaborating with the government to conserve the environment by planting trees.
Taniok cited the benefits of trees, including biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and resources for local livelihoods.
He encouraged residents to plant fruit trees at their homes, which would provide food and a source of income through fruit sales.
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The trees can also provide aesthetic value and shelter, which will help the county achieve a ten percent tree cover.
He urged residents to nurture the trees planted to increase the forest's area and tree cover, saying this would restore the former state of Maragoli Hills and improve its status.
He called on residents to ensure that they plant trees when marking or celebrating special events in their lives.
For her part, Rose Akombo, State Department of Forestry, appreciated the efforts of the local community, saying plans are underway to set up a honey refinery that will create employment and improve living standards.
Akombo also said Maragoli Hills will develop ecotourism jobs to provide sustainable income while promoting forest conservation.
