Ministry of Health Accelerates Tree Planting Campaign in West Pokot County

The Ministry of Health’s Public Health Department is intensifying its tree planting efforts in West Pokot County as part of a nationwide initiative to enhance afforestation. This initiative aligns with the presidential directive to plant 15 billion trees across Kenya by 2032.

During an event at the Kenya Forest Service station in Kabichbich village, Pokot South Sub-County, Senior Deputy Secretary Mr. Mawira Mungania emphasized the initiative’s dual objectives: fostering community engagement and raising awareness about the critical roles trees play in ecosystems. Trees are vital for maintaining ecological balance, improving air quality, and providing shade and resources.

In line with the presidential directive, the Ministry of Health has been assigned the task of significantly increasing tree planting activities in West Pokot, with an ambitious annual target of 280,000 trees. Mr. Mungania underscored that this effort is not only aimed at environmental sustainability but also at mitigating climate change, enhancing air quality, and promoting biodiversity.

“This initiative represents a key step towards achieving the national goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future for all Kenyans,” Mr. Mungania remarked.

He encouraged residents to focus on planting indigenous trees, which are particularly suited to local ecosystems. Indigenous trees offer crucial benefits, such as providing habitats for wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and playing a key role in carbon sequestration, which helps to counteract climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Mungania highlighted the connection between tree planting and public health, stressing that a cleaner environment contributes to better health outcomes. “Trees purify the air, reduce pollution, and improve overall ecosystem health, which can decrease the transmission of serious diseases,” he explained.

He urged the community to integrate tree planting into their regular activities and emphasized the importance of protecting newly planted trees until they mature. Mungania also advocated for the planting of fruit trees, which would provide nutritional benefits and potentially improve the local economy.

Involving various community groups, including youth and women’s organizations, in establishing tree nurseries was also recommended. “Collaborative efforts can help cultivate a variety of tree species suited to the local environment, ensuring the success of our afforestation initiatives,” he said.

Mungania called upon the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, along with the county government, to support local tree nursery farmers. Engaging these farmers would help secure a steady supply of quality seedlings and support the local economy while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

Leonard Kamsait, the Chief Officer of the Ministry of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Nature, reiterated the county government’s commitment to the tree planting campaign. He mentioned that the local administration is working closely with the Ministry of Health to implement strategies that ensure a high survival rate for planted trees, particularly focusing on the Cherangany Hills and Leland Ward—key water towers in the region.

Kamsait warned against illegal tree cutting, which poses risks such as soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on climate change. He urged the community to avoid such practices to protect the environment.

County Forest Conservator Benjamin Koree outlined West Pokot County’s ambitious goal of planting ten million trees annually as part of the national afforestation effort. He noted that the Ministry of Health has contributed significantly by planting 10,000 seedlings, including 6,000 indigenous and 4,000 non-native varieties.

“This initiative is crucial for addressing the climate change challenges faced in the region,” Koree said. He also praised the county government for its efforts to prevent deforestation and encouraged the continuation of tree planting campaigns during community events.

Koree suggested that tree planting could be incorporated into significant personal celebrations, such as weddings, as a way to create lasting memories while benefiting the environment. “Each tree planted represents growth, love, and a commitment to future generations,” he concluded.