Today marks the first time Kenya dedicated a public holiday to plant trees.
The goal is to plant 150 million trees in one day. The overall target is 15 billion trees by 2032.
That is a tall order but not impracticable. It will require a culture change and strong dedication.
Kenya stands at a crossroads. The current tree cover of about 12 per cent is an impressive improvement from seven per cent 10 years ago.
However, there is a stark disparity, with counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Lamu and Elgeyo Marakwet having about 40 per cent cover.
That is because there are existing indigenous forests in those areas.
Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir and Siaya all have less than six per cent cover.
In addition to their environmental benefits, trees contribute significantly to human well-being. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Indeed, health indicators in Kenya worsen in areas with scanty forest cover.
Moreover, the economic benefits of tree planting are undeniable, with opportunities for sustainable timber production and non-timber forest products.
Kenyans must therefore take personal responsibility to plant trees and take care of them to maturity.
A tree-planting culture is an investment in the future. It is a collective responsibility that transcends individual actions and reaches into the core of community development.
By planting trees today, Kenyans can ensure a greener, healthier and more prosperous tomorrow for generations to come.
Quote of the Day: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Scottish novelist was born on November 13, 1850.
