Kenyans have been urged to make use of the ongoing rains by ensuring they plant more trees and contribute in conserving the environment.
Murang’a South forestry advisory officer Moses Mwangi implored on all Kenyans and Murang’a county residents to take advantage of the ongoing October-November rains and plant more trees.
The move, he says, will not only increase the country’s forest cover but also contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation in the country at a time when most parts of the country have experienced prolonged dry spells.
“Improving the forest cover and maintaining a healthy ecosystem ought to be a continuous process,” he stated.
“With the meteorological department predicting that the rains may be above average, the moisture content in the soil is expected to be sufficient. I therefore urge everyone to plant a tree as early as now since the survival rates will be 100 percent,” he added.
“Certainly we all have seen how detrimental the effects of the prolonged dry spell have been on livelihoods and livestock, so we should not let the rain go to waste,” Mwangi advised.
The forester also underscored the need for people who are capable of harvesting the rain water for future consumption and for irrigating the trees they will plant as this will cover the future’s dry seasons.
According to Mwangi, one can plant ornamental or commercial trees like the exotic grevillea robusta or silky oak or the indigenous cypress trees, Moringa oleifera or even a variety of fruit tree seedlings and flowers which have fast maturing periods.
Further, he noted that since vegetation is expected to increase significantly, people should ensure they maximize on crop production.
At the same time, the forest officer discouraged the people against cutting down indigenous trees as this not only has adverse effects on the climatic conditions but also takes a long time to mature.
The rains that started this week are expected to continue for not less than 60 days.