The Forest Department in Bungoma County is set to plant five million trees in efforts to conserve the environment especially in Mt Elgon forest which is the source of many rivers that supply water to residents in the County.
In his address to residents, Bungoma County Forest Director Vitalis Osodo said they are targeting to plant over three hundred thousand seedlings in Mt Elgon saying the rest will be distributed in the Sub Counties to increase the forest cover of the country.
He added that as a department they are committed to conserving the environment and cautioned residents against cutting down of trees.
His sentiments were echoed by Bungoma County CEC for Environment and Natural Resources Renson Makheti who assured them of the government’s support in ensuring more trees are planted across the County saying his Ministry will add one million seedlings.
He said the environment needs to handled carefully to avoid any deterioration that may affect the present and future generation, adding that afforestation is key, “We have a policy that we are drafting that will ensure we plant trees along the main roads that include Bungoma-Mumias road, Chwele and Bungoma so that we conserve the environment as it has been done in Nakuru,” he said.
He faulted the Shamba system that has been practised in Mt Elgon saying it has more of disadvantages than advantages saying the Ministry should also consider reviewing some policies that are not beneficial to human beings.
His Agriculture counterpart Mathews Makanda said his Ministry will liaise with the Environment Ministry to ensure the activities in the farms do not affect the environment saying some farmers have been planting trees close to the river.
He said his department is also keen to educate farmers on the better and improved methods of farming saying it will improve their output.
Environment Chief Officer Martin Talian called upon the residents not to relent when it comes to tree planting saying it is the only way to stay safe and counter the issues of global warming.
