Kisii County, in collaboration with other partners, has planted over 7,000 trees in Marani Sub County to commemorate World Environment Day 2024.
The partners who contributed to the tree-planting exercise include the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Aga Khan Hospital, USAID Western Kenya Water Project, Kenya Red Cross, and Rain Forest Alliance.
The county planted the trees to prevent soil erosion and landslide risks recently witnessed in the region under the “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” theme.
Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Environment Leah Ogega said they had planted the trees in various schools and other areas over the last three days to restore the land in the sub-county.
During the event, Ms. Ogega urged the residents to plant indigenous trees and avoid planting eucalyptus along the water catchment areas since it drains much water.
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Further, she said that the county plans to close the mining quarries, particularly in Tabaka ward in South Mugirango Constituency, and plant trees to restore the land to its normal state.
“We will work with the contractors at the mining sites in restoring the land and ensure our people are compensated once the quarries are closed.”
On waste management, Ogega said the county is committed to managing waste by collecting and disposing of it in segregated areas for recycling purposes, protecting the environment.
Kisii County Forest Conservator Safari Opiyo noted they had successfully planted over 700 fruit trees, such as avocado, pawpaw, and mango, in various schools to mark the day.
Opiyo noted they had also distributed tree seedlings to farmers in the area for planting and encouraged them to ensure the trees grow.
