Mining CS Salim Mvurya and PS Elijah Mwanga Lead Tree-Planting Efforts in Lamu County

To address the pressing issues of climate change and deforestation, government officials from various departments converged at Lake Kenyatta in the Mpeketoni area of Lamu County during the 2024 National Tree Growing Day.

Led by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, H.E. Salim Mvurya, and joined by Elijah Mwangi, the PS Mining, the event marked a significant step toward achieving the ambitious goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

The gathering included Lamu Governor, H.E. Issa Timamy, alongside other esteemed officials such as PS Betsy M Njagi for Blue Economy, Geoffrey Kaituko for Shipping and Maritime, Lamu Women Rep Hon. Monica Muthoni, and senior representatives from organizations like the Kenya Forest Authority (KFA) and Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).

Aligned with the National Landscape and Ecosystem Registration Strategy 2022-2032, the tree-planting initiative aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and reverse the adverse effects of deforestation. By increasing tree cover to 30 percent, Kenya aims to bolster its environmental resilience.

The event marked the launch of the planting of 50,000 fruit trees, serving as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and solidarity with those affected by recent floods attributed to climate change. Additionally, the initiative aims to bolster reforestation efforts in Lamu and Tana River Counties, where deforestation has been particularly acute.

Elijah Mwangi, representing the State Department for Mining, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the nationwide tree-growing initiative. He highlighted the department’s involvement in rehabilitating degraded mining areas by strategically planting trees, especially in zones adversely affected by uncontrolled mining activities.

The collaborative efforts of government officials across various sectors underscore the importance of a Whole-of-Government Approach in addressing environmental challenges. By fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources, Kenya is poised to make significant strides in sustainable environmental management and combatting climate change.