Schools Join 13.4 Million Tree Planting Campaign in Tharaka-Nithi

Tharaka-Nithi County has planted over 4 million trees as part of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Program initiated by President William Ruto.

During the commemoration of this year's Mazingira Day, led by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, statistics revealed that the county had achieved 27.9% tree cover and was targeting to plant 13.4 million trees.

According to Elvis Korir, the Senior Deputy Secretary at the State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries, the government has rolled out a new program dubbed the Turudi Primo Initiative, calling on Kenyans to return to their former primary schools and plant fruit trees.

"This will alleviate the issue of nutrition because various fruit species like avocado, tree tomatoes, guavas, and pawpaw help combat malnutrition in our communities, especially among school-going children. It will also contribute to climate action. I urge members of the community to participate continuously in tree planting, not just during celebrations, so that we can realize the benefits of trees," he said.

To mark the celebrations, Korir announced that Chuka Township, Chuka DEB, and Kibumbu Primary Schools would receive 2,000 trees from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in support of the President's tree planting initiative.

Elizabeth Kariuki, the Assistant County Forest Conservator in Tharaka-Nithi, said KFS has produced over 2 million seedlings in their nurseries, which are available and ready for distribution.

She called on members of the public to register and receive support through the seedlings to grow them to maturity. Ms. Kariuki further added that 8,000 seedlings were ready to be planted this season.

"We are spearheading tree planting in the county as a campaign tool to achieve the 15 billion target by 2032 and establish a tree cover of 30%. We must campaign and lobby with stakeholders in this activity. This is part of our plan to build the capacity of communities. Through schools, we aim to grow and maintain trees for sustainability and to promote environmental conservation," she said.

The theme for this year's celebration is "Citizen-centric tree growing and environmental stewardship."