By Marline Atieno
President Ruto spearheaded an unprecedented nationwide effort today on National Tree Planting Day, overseeing the planting of a record-breaking 200 million trees in various locations across the country.
The President took charge in the National Tree Planting Day, embarking on a monumental mission to enhance green cover.
“Today as Kenya, we have purposed to plant a minimum of 200 million trees in one day,” said Ruto.
“I have been assigned to plant 20,000 trees, and I need some help,” he further added.
The day commenced with a ceremonial Tree planting event at Kiambicho Forest Karua Hill A, Murang’a County. speaking during the event, the head of state underscored the importance of the nationwide exercise stating that the exercise will help mitigate the effects of climate change including drought and floods.
He further added that the plan is to make sure that people plant 15 billion trees in the next 10 years to increase the country’s forest cover from 12% to 30%.
He noted that the exercise is currently ongoing countrywide under the leadership of top government officials including cabinet Secretaries.
Ruto directed all ministers to plant trees every day starting from Monday, May 13th.
The President specified that the initiative would run for the next six months, with each ministry assigned particular days for tree planting.
The president observed that the impacts of climate change are not only felt in Kenya but across the entire continent. He urged members of the public to plant a minimum of 50 trees to achieve the day’s 200 million target.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to employing 20,00 teachers this year. He also underscored the importance of digital transformation in creating job opportunities, pledging to construct digital hubs in every ward in Murang’a County.
The president mentioned the launch of Call Centre International (CCI) in Kiambu County which has employed 5,000 Kenyans and aims to hire 15,000 Kenyans in the next 5 years.
Read More: President Ruto Attends Launch Of CCI, Tatu City, Kiambu County
He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address environmental challenges committing to plant 20,000 trees today.