Governor Ahmed Abdullahi spearheads National Tree Planting Day in Wajir

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi planting a tree at Wajir Airbase as the County Commissioner looks on. [Mohamed Sama, Standard]

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, together with County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo and Base Commander Wajir Air Base Brigadier Sane, spearheaded the National Tree Planting Day event in Wajir.

Speaking at Wajir Airbase where the Governor planted trees, he said that the cumulative effect of planting numerous trees and plants contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, helping offset carbon emissions and combating global warming. He also added that the enhanced green cover serves as a natural solution to various environmental challenges.

More than 300,000 tree seedlings will be planted in the North Eastern Region, with a target of 100,000 tree seedlings in each of the three Counties; Garissa, Mandera and Wajir. Each of the 441 Chiefs in the Region will coordinate the planting and growing of at least 680 trees in their Locations.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary also led a team in Garissa where he planted trees and urged the community to embrace that. He also said that tree planting and growing will be a National culture in the Country and all National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) are directed to spearhead it in their respective jurisdictions to save our Country from the ravages of climate change, including droughts and floods.

The Governor lauded the president for coming up with the initiative and urged the residents to embrace the same.

Kenya's forest cover stands at about 7 per cent but the government has set aside more than $80m (PS65m) this financial year as part of its effort to increase it to more than 10 per cent.

The CCO for environment and climate change Mr Rahow said that they will focus largely on the management of, the journey beginning with tree planting and a sustainable greener environment. He also urged the community to take tree planting as an important investment in their life.