The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Staff planted over 250 indigenous trees at Karura Forest as part of efforts to combat climate change.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, the Chairperson of the PSC Wellness Committee, Osborn Obayo, emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative, both as a climate action effort and a way to promote physical fitness among participants.
“The PSC Wellness Team has today adopted a ‘Parliament Corner’ to sustain afforestation efforts. We will continue monitoring progress to ensure the sustainability of Karura Forest,” said Obayo.
He further highlighted the importance of greening Kenya, stating that the wellness team would expand afforestation activities in partnership with Senators in counties and Members of the National Assembly in constituencies, ensuring increased forest cover across different regions.
To recognize Parliament’s commitment, the Karura Forest management designated the adopted space as “Bunge Corner.” This area will be maintained through a collaboration between Parliament and Friends of Karura Forest to ensure that the trees planted there are nurtured to full growth.
The event, themed “Forests and Health,” brought together nearly 100 staff members from the National Assembly, Senate, Joint Service, and the PSC.
The PSC Wellness Committee is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of parliamentary staff by promoting physical and social activities, including sports, community engagement, and mental health initiatives.
The team urged stakeholders in the environmental sector to join Parliament’s efforts in mobilizing lawmakers and citizens toward the government’s ambitious target of increasing national forest cover.
The government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, has committed to planting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat deforestation, and restore 5.1 million hectares of degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative launched on December 22, 2022.
By embracing such initiatives, Parliament continues to demonstrate its commitment to a greener and more sustainable Kenya.
