More than 7,000 trees have been planted in Mumbaka Village, Budalang’i, Busia County, as residents joined the national campaign to combat climate change during World Environment Day celebrations.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Susan Mang’eni, urged Kenyans to embrace tree planting and nurture seedlings to help the country achieve its ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees.
"I urge all Kenyans to embrace tree planting and nurture the trees we plant as we work towards the 15 billion trees target. Climate change effects are evident and low tree cover worsens them. We have planted over 7,000 trees here in Mumbaka, Budalang'i to mark World Environment Day, but our work is not done until they grow to maturity. I call on all communities and institutions to join in building a greener Kenya."~ PS Susan Mang’eni
Mang’eni warned that inadequate tree cover contributes to the effects of climate change, calling for concerted efforts to restore natural vegetation and protect the environment.
She emphasized that planting trees must go hand in hand with caring for them to ensure lasting environmental benefits.
Meanwhile, Economic Planning official Boniface Makokha said Kenya’s economic prosperity depends partly on a healthy and sustainable environment.
Makokha challenged Busia residents to take the lead in planting and maintaining trees, stressing that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that requires every citizen’s participation.
"Environmental conservation is not just about trees.its is about protecting our economy and securing our people's future. I urge Busia residents to lead in planting and caring for trees daily. The 7,000 trees planted today in Mumbaka, Budalang'i show the power of community action against climate change."~ PS Dr Boniface Makokha
The exercise highlights the role of community-led initiatives in restoring tree cover and strengthening efforts to combat climate change.