East African Community CS Penina Malonza on Monday led a tree planting exercise in Meru during National Tree Planting Day.
The CS planted trees at Kithoka, North Imenti constituency, Meru county.
Malonza urged all Kenyans to join the exercise to increase the tree cover in the country from 5 per cent to 17 per cent.
She said the initiative by President William Ruto will increase the tree cover, hence making a conducive environment for the country.
"I urge all Kenyans to join the exercise as we depend on trees for food, oxygen and many other things," she said.
She said it would be good if the target of 15 billion is surpassed.
"We want all Kenyans to take the initiative seriously and not just plant but take care of the trees," she said.
Malonza led the exercise in Meru and Busia.
The cabinet secretary said Meru is leading the country in tree planting exercise.
"I am urging residents to continue planting it will not be a bad thing to surpass the target," she said.
She encouraged Kenyans to plant trees during weddings, birthdays, burials, rites of passage and other important occasions.
The CS asked Kenyans to always consider planting trees that are beneficial to them.
“Plant trees that can provide you with fruits, timber, grass, medical herbs, ointments, charcoal and other beneficial items. Some trees can completely eradicate food shortages. I want to see children eating and enjoying fruits when they attend church or school,” said the CS.
The CS said the tree planting exercise was timely because it came immediately after the country experienced drought.
She called on Kenyans to plant more trees and take care of them to meet the annual target of 1.5 billion trees set by President William Ruto.