The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) joined Kenyans during the National Tree Planting Day that was set aside by the Government on 13th November in efforts to tackle climate change.
The Council was joined by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials and the local community to plant 1,000 tree seedlings on its adopted 5-hectare forest land at Ndoinet forest in Bomet County.
During the tree planting exercise, MCK Nakuru Regional Coordinator Joseph Mecha underscored the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement as a means of successful environmental restoration in protecting the ecosystem.
“It is our sole responsibility to ensure that the seedlings we have planted today grow undisturbed. I urge all our stakeholders represented here and the local community to work together to accelerate tree planting exercises for environmental sustainability”, he said.
Mr Mecha said that continuous provision of practical restoration advise to the locals will not only foster their knowledge of the importance of planting trees but also contribute to mitigating the climate change crisis.
KFS Ndoinet Forest Station Manager Paul Okuro encouraged the community to protect the forest and plant more trees in their homesteads as a way of supporting the initiative.
“Trees play an important role in human existence and they offer incalculable advantages. The KFS advocates for active participation in the tree planting exercise”, said Mr Okuro.
The area Chief Philip Ruttoh highlighted the importance of trees by illustrating how the preservation of water catchment areas has ensured the community's access to water sources throughout the year.
He added that parents have a responsibility to educate their children on the significance of environmental conservation.
“We will continue planting trees and educating the young generation on the significance of environment restoration and adaptation skills to help them enjoy a safe and clean environment”, said Mr Ruttoh.