- Governor Natembeya revealed that the County of Trans Nzoia, which boasts eight forests, has been severely hit by the destruction of 100 hectares of trees in the Sikhendu forest. Governor Natembeya said he had allocated 2 per cent of the county budget, about Ksh. 56 million towards forest change with another Ksh. 36 million coming from the World Bank to increase the forest cover
Governor’s Press Unit
Governor George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia County in collaboration with the National Government has embarked on a greening initiative to address climate change and boost the county’s green cover. A tree planting event took place on Tuesday the 23rd of May 2023 with a resolve to plant one million trees to enable the devolved unit to boost its forest cover.
The governor said the five sub-counties now stand at 15 per cent of the required forest cover with each sub-county now targeting at planting 40,000 indigenous trees each. The governor spoke at Sikhendu forest in Kiminini Sub County after overseeing the planting of 11,000 trees. He regretted that the county, which hosts two water towers of Mount Elgon and Cherangany continues to witness deforestation resulting in the drying up of water sources. “My appeal to families is to end the rampant de forestation which if left unchecked will put us on the same wavelength with those in dessert areas. Plant trees in your homesteads to avoid effects of global warming”.
The Governor revealed that the County of Trans Nzoia, which boasts eight forests, has been severely hit by the destruction of 100 hectares of trees in the Sikhendu forest. Governor Natembeya said he had allocated 2 per cent of the county budget, about Ksh. 56 million towards forest change with another Ksh. 36 million coming from the World Bank to increase the forest cover.
“This initiative is critical and timely for our county as it aims at addressing some of the significant environmental challenges we face and promote sustainable development,” he noted. His administration supported the planting of maize and other crops in forests. It said it was wrong for elected officials of forest associations to team up with government officers to scuttle the process.
“The reversal of early orders that had outlawed planting of maize in forests is now clearly envisaged to give impetus to the drive and collective mobilisation and active participation of all stakeholders in driving this agenda forward, I’m sure the plan will return the country back on the path to ensure families are safe “.
Endebess Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya echoed the Governor’s sentiments saying the National Government will continue partnering with the county administration to realise and achieve a total national forest cover In line with the aspirations of the dream to make Kenya safe from the devastating effects of climate change and global warming.
The governor was accompanied by his Deputy Philomena Kapkory, County Secretary Truphosa Amere, CECS Patrick Gacheru (Water and Environment), Dr Wanjala Pepela (Health), Stanley Kirui (Trade and Industrialization), Jenny Mutama(Lands), Phanice Khatundi( Agriculture) Jackson Amboka ( Roads and Public Works) and Julie Kichwen Ruto ( Education) Chief Officers Dorothy Nyukuri (Water and Environment) Sammy Sichangi (Governance), Dr Rosslyn Nasiebanda (Sports and Gender), Jane Wachwenge (Education and Dickson Wamocho (Chief of Staff) also accompanied the governor among other top-ranking County and National Government Officials.
