5,000 tree seedlings planted to revive Menengai forest

CEC Kiogora Muriithi planting a tree at Menengai Forest in Nakuru. June 5, 2022. [Harun Wathari Standard]

Environmentalists have planted over 5,000 tree seedlings at Menengai Forest following a fire, which destroyed more than 50 hectares of vegetation in March.

Chief Officer Environment, Energy and Natural resources Kiogora Muriithi led the exercise at Menengai Forest during the World Environment Day celebrations on Sunday.

Menengai Forest fire, January 2019. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Also present were Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers, Kenya Army, National Environment Management Authority, Red Cross, Fairtrade Africa and City Board.

Charles Muriuki, the Deputy Forest Conservator, said Kenyans should care for the environment since nature is unforgiving.

“The fire almost destroyed everything, but it was contained and we have started rehabilitation by planting trees,” Mr Muriuki said.

Man putting out fire at Menengai Forest in Nakuru, January 2019. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

He said KFS has engaged Community Forest Association to maintain the seedlings.

KFS targets 15 per cent tree cover by 2050. As per National Forest Assessment Report released last week, the county has a tree cover of 10.73 per cent.