Kenya: The Governor of Homa-Bay County, Gladys Wanga, has launched a school tree growing competition that will involve all schools in the county in a bid to increase the country’s forest cover from the current 3% to 30%.
The Governor was speaking today during the annual Governor’s Mentorship Programme at Asumbi Girls High School, whose theme this year is ‘Greening My Environment‘. “A healthy environment will guarantee the health of our people, and we need to increase our forest cover to a sustainable level”, said the Governor.
Speaking at the same event, the County Forest Conservator, David Muigai, thanked the Governor for the initiative noting that KFS will work with the county to ensure its success.
He added that the school’s forestry and agroforestry programme will include the establishment of woodlots, boundary tree planting, the establishment of wind breaks, shelter belts, fodder banks and fruit orchards. It will also include the use of renewable energy and energy conservation technologies.
Over 1,000 assorted trees, including fruit trees, were planted during the event. Present at the event was the area MP. Dr Lilian Gogo, among other local leaders, including member’s the school board.
Residents of Kenya seemed happy with these school tree growing competitions, and they expressed their happiness through comments. Onyango Josephat, one of the residents, stated, “I can see our great CFC, Mr Muigai, doing great things in Homabay,,,,, good work.”
Brian Kweyu, a resident of Kenya, said, “Let the community also benefit from incentives for planting trees. Carbon trade should be at the forefront to help the society as they have a major role in planting trees.”
Another user stated, “You have one of the most aggressive Chief Forest Conservators, Mr Muigai. With him, in Homabay, it will happen. Ask me if we had him in Nyandarua County.” Many other users appreciated the Homa-Bay County Governor, Gladys Wanga.
