Ruto leads Kenyans in National Tree-planting drive

The government's targets to plant one billion trees under the National Afforestation campaign. [William Ruto, Twitter]

President William Ruto spearheaded 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.

Accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, the President urged every Kenyan to plant at least 50 trees to contribute to the government's goal of planting 200 million seedlings by the end of the day.

"It can be done, and let's not only focus on planting conventional trees. Let's diversify and plant fruit trees to increase our forest cover and provide fruits," he said.

Ruto announced that the tree-planting drive will continue for the next six months, with every government ministry having a dedicated day to lead the exercise.

Meanwhile, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua led the tree-planting campaign in Samburu County, urging locals to support the government's target of planting one billion trees under the National Afforestation campaign.

In other regions, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is expected to plant trees in Tharaka Nithi County, accompanied by local political leaders in Chogoria.

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

Environment CS Soipan Tuya began the exercise in Vihiga County before proceeding to Samburu, stressing the importance of increasing forest cover.

Her Defense counterpart Aden Duale was in Nakuru, while Lands CS Alice Wahome oversaw the tree planting in Gathiuru Forest, Kieni Constituency, where 10,000 trees were planted.

Public Service CS Moses Kuria covered Kisumu, Siaya, and Bungoma counties, while Education CS Ezekiel Machogi supervised the exercise in Migori and Trans Nzoia counties, targeting 2.7 million trees.