The Media Council of Kenya has adopted a five-acre land in its bid to support the government achieve 10 per cent forest cover.
The Kenya Forest Service signed a partnership with the MCK, where the council will start planting trees at Ndoinet forest in Bomet county.
The signing took place at KFS headquarters in Karura on Monday.
Chief conservator of forest Julius Kamau said the partnership will be an opportunity for the service to sensitise members of the fourth estate on various aspects of forestry that have often been misunderstood.
He said the planting between the two organisations will start in March, April and May during the long rains season.
The KFS says they chose the rainy season so that all seedlings of the indigenous trees grow.
“Through the partnership, the service and the council will facilitate forums for editors and environmental journalists to create awareness on forestry issues” Kamau said.
“The rainy season is the best for planting trees in a forest, since rain waters the ground well thus reducing drying up of planted seedlings” he added.
MCK chief executive David Omwoyo said the forums will advance the power of the media to enhance awareness regarding environmental conservation.
He said the media is a vital partner in informing the public and mobilising support towards environmental issues.
An environmentalist Mburu wa Iganjo applauded the KFS and the Ministry of Environment for creating forest adoption policy.
He said so many private companies, government departments as well as banks have adopted five acres and planted trees.
“Many officers in government departments, private sectors including parastatals learn about forests when they go to plant trees. They take care of them and check on their growth” he said.
“After five years, when they are handing over the piece of land to KFS, the trees have grown to a certain level and they can decide to extend the partnership where they are given another piece in another forest” he added.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)