Mueke advocates for tree planting to combat drought in Makueni

Livestock Principle Secretary Jonathan Mueke with locals during tree planting exercise in Makueni.

Livestock Principle Secretary Jonathan Mueke has urged Makueni residents to embrace tree planting as a measure to combat drought.

Speaking during a tree planting exercise in Makueni on Friday, Mueke highlighted the initiative's role in ending drought emergencies and restoring range lands across 11 counties, including Makueni.

Mueke underscored the significance of the initiative, stating, "Planting a tree is a sign of life. Today, we have planted 10,000 trees. This will help this area to receive rains, enabling you to grow food."

"We are greening Makueni. The aim is to eradicate drought. As a Ministry, we have a project called Towards Ending Drought Emergencies" (TWENDE) Project that aims to end drought emergencies through activities such as planting trees to mitigate the effects of drought," he added.

At the same time, President William Ruto led the National Tree-planting initiative by planting trees at Kiambicho Forest, in Murang'a County.

The president also observed a moment of silence in honour of Kenyans who lost their lives to floods in various parts of the country.

Ruto who was accompanied by First Lady Rachel, encouraged every Kenyan to plant at least 50 trees.

The effort, he said, would contribute to the government's goal of planting 200 million seedlings by the end of the day.

The Head of State announced that the tree-planting drive will continue for the next six months, with each government ministry dedicating a day to lead the exercise.

Cabinet Secretaries across the 47 counties actively participated in the initiative. Interior CS Kithure Kindiki visited Wajir, Garissa, Turkana, Mandera, and Marsabit counties.

Meanwhile, Environment CS Soipan Tuya initiated the exercise in Vihiga County before proceeding to Samburu, emphasizing the need to increase forest cover.

The government declared May 10, 2024, as a National Tree Growing Day for the 2024 long rains season.

This marks the country's second National Tree Growing Day, following the inaugural 'Green Holiday' on November 13, 2023.