Kenyans have been urged to embrace agroforestry in a bid to attain the internationally set forest cover.
Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALS and Regional Development Ms Penina Malonza also called on Kenyans to plant trees when marking special occasions or attending church.
Speaking at Kithoka primary school in Imenti North constituency in Meru when she led the residents in a tree planting exercise to mark the National Tree Planting Day, Ms Malonza said trees should not only be planted in public places but also in private spaces.
She said it is the only and best way of attaining the required forest cover in the country.
“I urge Kenyans to fully embrace the culture of planting trees in private properties in a bid to attain the required forest cover.
She encouraged Kenyans to plant trees during weddings, birthdays, burials, rites of passage and other important occasions.
The CS advised Kenyans to plant trees which are beneficial to people noting some trees can completely eradicate food shortage.
“Kenyans should plant 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 shortage. I want to see children eating and enjoying fruits when they attend church or school,” said the CS.
She said Meru county targets to plant 11 million trees and lauded the region for leading in the initiative.
She said the county has already planted over 10 million trees and urged residents to double their efforts in order to surpass the set target.
The CS said the tree planting exercise was timely because it comes immediately after the drought experienced in the country.
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.
