By Hope Barbra
The tree planting initiative by the provincial administration in Nairobi has witnessed over 500,000 trees planted in the recent past.
Starehe Deputy County Commissioner Mr. John Kisang said the chiefs had designated every first Friday of the new month as tree planting day, and the program was a success.
He said in Starehe Sub-County alone, the chiefs have planted 60,000 trees since the inception of the program, and the number is expected to increase.
The DCC, who spoke during a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting to promote environmental sustainability through education, community engagement, and impactful projects, said the government, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the environment sector, was committed to improvement and that is why they have come up with various initiatives.
“We have developed a common practice that every first Friday of a new month is a day reserved by chiefs to plant trees. Every chief has a tree nursery, and we have been planting trees in police stations, chiefs’ camps, and any open space. We appeal to residents to join us in this noble agenda,” he said.
Present at the stakeholders’ breakfast were Dr. Hayombe Sibul, Dr. Young Tello, CEO of Go Green Org, Miss Climate Kenya Sanny Kamwaro, and Angelina Tut, Go Green ambassador.
The stakeholders said they have been engaged in tree planting across the country and in the cleaning of the Nairobi River.
President William Ruto in March this year launched the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Program to be implemented at a cost of KSh50 billion.
The project was envisaged to create 40,000 jobs, up from the current 22,000 working under the Climate Works Mtaani Initiative, besides the construction of a 60 km sewer line and 50,000 affordable houses in the reclaimed areas.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission and the ministries of Housing, Environment, and Defence will jointly implement the project.
During the launch, President Ruto pointed out that the government would ensure that the City of Nairobi remains clean and safe for residents and visitors.
He described the project as a life-changing initiative that will ensure dignified living, sustainable transport, and economic empowerment for thousands of residents.
