Kenya: The Chief Conservator of Forest Alex Lemarkoko celebrated the Indian Independence Day with a tree planting initiative. He was accompanied by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale.
The commemoration of India’s 78th Independence day was hosted at City Park, with the members of the administration. The High Commissioner of India to Kenya Namgya Khampya was also present at the commemoration.
The Kenya Forest Service has been working towards the President of the country in their campaign to cover 30% of the country’s landmark with trees. President William Ruto had announced the campaign spanning a decade in December 2022.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage the members of the community to participate in the tree planting ceremony. The High Commissioner of India to Kenya Namgya Khampya said that she was humbled to get the opportunity to celebrate the day with the Kenyan delegation.
She also stated that she was proud to be part of the 1.5 billion trees campaign by 2032.
During the Independence Day celebration, the officials and delegation planted over 3,000 bamboo trees were planted today. The Chief Conservator of Forest Alex Lemarkoko and the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale welcomed the high commissioner.
The Cabinet Secretary delivered a brief address at the commemoration event. During his address he commended the Indian Community for their noble efforts in restoration of the green space.
At the same time, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized on the importance of communities coming together in combating the challenges of climate change. He also called upon other partners to work with the Kenya Forest Service and other Government entities in achieving our shared environmental goals.
The event was attended by several leaders, government officials and members of the Kenya Forest Service. The attendants included:
- Principal Secretary, Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi
- KFS Board Chairman Titus Korir,
- Kenya Forest Service Commandant, Mr Mohammed A. Mohammed
- UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson.
The event was also open to several other invited guests.