West Pokot County government has started a massive tree planting program to increase forest cover, conserve the environment and help mitigate effects of climate change in the area.
County Environment and Natural Resources Department Chief Officer Mr. Peter Adoki said that the County government has set aside two million shillings to buy tree seedlings from farmers urging farmers to register.
He said the County government is targeting residents by sensitizing them on the importance of trees and protecting the 10% forest cover the constitution requires.
Speaking in Kapenguria where the County has put up tree nurseries, Adoki said the County has 60,000 seedlings and will buy one million from farmers so that they can plant in forests. “We shall plant the trees in forests like Kamatira, Tangasi and others,” he said.
Adoki said the department will set up tree nurseries in every ward and promote farmers by buying tree seedlings from them. He warned residents against tree logging in the County adding that those found will face the full force of the law.
“The government has banned logging and we won’t allow anyone to cut trees. Last week we impounded culprits and we won’t joke around with those destroying trees,” he said.
He further said the West Pokot County government will give seedlings to farmers to plant trees in water catchment areas.
He encouraged farmers to plant more trees and urged residents living next to forests to engage in farming. He called on stakeholders to join hands in conservation the environment.
