THE NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY AT MOI FORCES ACADEMY GROUNDS
Today’s event must remain part of the continuous public awareness programme, to instil a sense of responsibility and passion for Kenya's environment, forests, and natural resources.
We have to clean Nairobi and increase its forest cover from the current 7% to surpass the country’s target of 10% by the year 2022. This activity is also in line with this year’s theme of International Forests Day, which is “Forests and Sustainable Cities”.
Trees around urban areas help to ensure clean water and fresh air.
In Nairobi, we aim to achieve a 15% forest cover by the year 2030. We are planting trees, flowers and grass in all major transport corridors in the city such as Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Museum Hill, Ngong Road, Jogoo road, Lusaka Road among others.
We also intend to work with all schools in Nairobi, to encourage every student to plant and take care of at least one tree each.
Karura Forest is an example of good management and partnership. Some years ago, Karura used to be known as a den for criminals. Through joint efforts, Karura is now a beautiful, peaceful place where families enjoy walking, riding bicycles and having picnics. We would like to see this success in all our other forests.
Today, as we partner with the national Government to commence this tree planting exercise, I thank Your Excellency for your efforts.
I invite all of you to join in this tree planting ceremony and raise awareness of the importance of forests as an important aspect in sustainable development.