Debate on eucalyptus tree divides Meru residents

Eucalyptus trees near Lake Ol' Bolossat in Nyandarua County. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

"Now concerned by the rampant planting of eucalyptus trees in water catchment areas within Meru County; this Honourable Assembly urges the Department of Environment, Wildlife and Natural Resources within the County Government of Meru to take urgent measures, including policy measures, to curb the planting of eucalyptus trees in water catchment areas within Meru County," Muthuri had said in a motion unanimously passed by his colleagues.

An MCA swore she will uproot her own large plantation of eucalyptus after understanding the harm it was causing.

Asked yesterday whether she made good her pledge to stop growing the crop the former MCA opted not to answer.

But Kenya Forest Service conservator for Meru Alfred Kurgat is urging residents of the county and across Kenya to seek KFS advice on where and how to plant the blue gum, saying it is a good tree.

"For residents of Meru and Kenya, before you plant blue gum you should come to KFS offices and we will visit your farm or wherever you want to plant it and will advise you accordingly. We have said the blue gum is good but you have to plant it in recommended areas," Mr Kurgat said.

Kurgat said the call for uprooting the species would be against President William Ruto's campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2030.

"That would take us to 30 percent forest cover. You can plant blue gum in rocky areas. It has quick benefits. One acre of blue gum or about 600 trees is able to fetch you more than Sh500, 000. It grows without a lot of tending. If it is planted in areas we recommend it has no harm to environment," Kurgat said.

Kurgat said the eucalyptus consumes less than water consumed by other trees, including coffee and cypress.