The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Monday coordinated the planting of up to 1.3 million trees, Governor Jonathan Bii has said.

Speaking during the national tree planting exercise at Kamur Wetlands in Timboroa Forest, Governor Bii reiterated that his government takes critical interest on environmental conservation.

“My government takes keen interest on environmental conservation because with good weather patters, we are able to get food,”

“Inspired by this fact, my government has coordinated tree planting exercises across our wards, with over one million trees planted,” said the Governor.

The County chief made a rallying call: “Let us nurture and grow these trees for them to benefit the generations to come,” added Bii.

Governor Bii also thanked all the residents for turning up in large numbers and challenged them to take care of the seedlings to maturity.

“Today as we plant these trees across the county, it is a clear indication of our shared repsonsibility to protect and conserve our environment and reverse the effects of climate change,” said Bii.

Susan Mang’eni, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development, also attended the exercise, whose collective goal is seeing 15 billion trees are planted by 2032.

PS Mang’eni said: “Today, we are all gathered here to heed to the president’s call to plant 15 billion trees by 2032,” said Hon Mang’eni.

The PS noted the need to sensitize the residents on the benefits of planting trees and nurturing them to maturity saying it is number one way to boost household income.

She urged all parents to plant at least 20 trees for their children further echoing that “miti ni pesa mfukoni bila jasho” and said that her ministry has adopted the site for conservation.

County Executive Committee Member for Water, Dr Sam Kotut, accompanied by Chief Officer Environment for Mary Kerich, pledged his department’s commitment to working with all stakeholders in environmental conservation.

“We will work with all environmental stakeholders to see that we realize our set target of 4.3 Million trees by December this year,” said Dr Kotut.

Present in the event was the County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly, CECMs COs, Directors, National Government Officers and several Stakeholders.