By Patrick Chiriba
Kenya Forest Services (KFS) has stepped up its tree-planting exercise across the country.
In a statement posted on their Twitter account, KFS said that tree planting activities are being conducted countrywide.
“The service in conjunction with educational institutions planted 650 seedlings in schools together with students and the local communities,” the statement in part.
The exercise is meant to increase the country’s forest cover by 30% by 2032.
In Maara and Tharaka South sub-counties, 600 seedlings were sown. The Upper Tana Natural Resource Management Project and partner organizations were in charge of the exercise.
300 seedlings were planted in Mwingi Subcounty at Museo Catholic Church in collaboration with Wikwatyo Community Self Help Group.
In Bobasi Sub County, 1000 seedlings were planted in the Nyanza Conservancy with the help of the Green Zones Development Support Project Phase II.
In Bomachoge Kisii County, residents and students from Sameta High School planted an additional 4,000 saplings.
The exercise is also meant to boost the country’s efforts in fighting climate change.
President Ruto stressed the significance of combating climate change in his Mashujaa Day national address given its effects on the food security and prosperity of the nation.
Kenya has attained and exceeded the constitutional 10 percent forestry cover according to the National Forest Assessment Report 2021 released by the Kenya Forestry Services.