The national government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has intensified efforts to restore the Maragoli Hills Forest through a robust reforestation initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Secretary of Administration Mark Elung’ata emphasised the government’s commitment to encouraging local communities to take an active role in forest conservation.
Elung’ata urged surrounding communities to partner with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) to develop nature trails within the forest. He noted that such initiatives could attract tourism and generate revenue for the local economy.
Western Regional Forest Conservator Dennis Kerengo reported that NETFUND, working closely with residents, has been planting a variety of seedlings, comprising six species of fruit and indigenous trees, in an exercise that concluded today.
Kerengo noted that while Vihiga County currently boasts the highest forest cover in the region at 35 per cent, the goal is to plant two million trees annually.
This would result in 14 million trees over the next seven years, contributing significantly to the national target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
He appealed to the public to support efforts to restore the forest ecosystem to its former glory.
Acting County Commissioner Florence Sitawa commended residents for working hand-in-hand with government officials to protect the forest.
She announced that future conservation activities would be integrated with mobile public service delivery, as the issuance of national identity cards and registration for the Social Health Authority (SHA), among others, to maximise outreach and participation.
