Kenya: The Acting Chief Conservator of Forests (Ag. CCF), Alex Lemarkoko, hosted the Youth Empowerment and Development Foundation (YED Foundation) officials for a discussion on how the youth can be involved in the 15 billion tree growing campaign that seeks to increase Kenya’s tree cover to over 30% by the year 2032.
The CCF thanked the foundation its CEO, Adam Israel, led for their youth empowerment programmes, which continue to engage youth in meaningful activities geared towards building the nation and deterring them from harmful practices.
He welcomed their willingness to be part of the Green Army that will drive the attainment of the Presidential target, noting that the youth had the most significant interest in a sustainable environment.
He said that the Service was ready and willing to work with individuals and organizations that share the same dream of helping the country attain a sustainable forest that will drive the country’s social and economic development.
Speaking during the meeting, the CEO informed CCF that his organization had a lot of experience working with youth, women and people living with disabilities, having partnered with a number of public agencies to mobilize their participation in national development activities.
He noted that there was a big opportunity for the youth to get involved in the 15 billion tree growing campaign as the youth and women stood to gain the most from the programme. The two agreed to form a technical working group that will guide the foundation’s involvement in the programme.
The Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (DCCF) for Natural Forest Conservation Charity Munyasia, the Ag. DCCF for Forest Resources Information Management Dr Benjamin Kinyili, the Regional Forest Conservator for Nairobi Joyce Nthuku and Teresia Karimi and Charles Waweru from YED Foundation among others, were present at the location.