Kenya govt calls on citizens to embrace tree planting

By Bisola Adeyemo
 
The government of Kinango Sub County of Kwale County in Kenya has instructed all schools compounds houses, landowners to embrace the culture of tree planting.
 
Speaking during the launching of the Kenyans for Green World Organisation in Kinango Sub County, the area Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Charles Wesamba said the government and its stakeholders are concerned with the severe drought experienced in the area.
 
Kinango is one of the sub-counties in Kwale severely affected by the ongoing drought that has exposed 26,000 residents to the food crisis, according to Kenya news agency.
 
Wesamba added that the dream to make the sub-county green is an initiative that should be advocated by all stakeholders for the country to achieve the national target of 10 percent forest cover.
 
“This youth-based organisation has set the bar on the government agenda of increasing tree covers in the county at large,” Wesamba said.
 
Speaking on the benefits of afforestation, the administrator noted that forests contribute immensely to economic development and the country’s livelihoods adding that they support diverse economic sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, tourism, wildlife, and energy.
 
While speaking,  the ACC sounded a warning to all people engaging in charcoal business that the law will not spare them.
 
“We have recommended hefty fines on individuals who will be found violating the environmental laws. We have instructed our local administrators in the area to monitor our roads and nearby forests. Anyone who will be found to have logs and charcoal shall be arrested and charged in a court of law,” Wesamba said.