Kisumu County Government has launched an initiative to plant 10 million tree seedlings by 2025 in a bid to increase its forest cover.

The noble initiative has been launched in partnership with Equity Bank, which donated 35,000 tree seedlings to be planted at public institutions and in beautifying major roads in the city.

Speaking yesterday, Governor Anyang Nyong’o has emphasised the importance of environment conservation.

“Environmental conservation is a crucial development issue that must be given priority because no development project can flourish in a poorly conserved and a broken-down eco-system,” said Nyong’o, adding that the county will strive towards planting a  million trees annually.

Forest cover in the lakeside city is currently estimated at one per cent. 

The tree planting initiative  seeks to attain the required 10 per cent.

 In his effort to curb environmental degradation, the governor reiterated that residents should dedicate at least 10 per cent of their land to afforestation. 

The county boasts of five forests, two of which are gazetted – Koguta and Karateng. He called for urgent gazettement of Kajulu, Nyatigo and Koru forests.

 “I also wish to appeal to more individuals, corporate entities, and Non-Governmental Organisations to join us in this campaign.  We are targeting schools, churches, mosques, temples and colleges in this campaign,” Nyong’o pleaded.

The county boss also issued a stern warning to charcoal merchants, who cut down trees to stop the act and seek an alternative business.

Households have also been urged to shift from using charcoal fuel to liquefied petroleum gas, which is eco-friendly. – KNA