Rotarians in Kenya Go Green During Maiden National Tree Planting Day
By Eric Ombok and Pauline Awuor
Hundreds of Rotarians across Kenya participated in the nation’s inaugural National Tree Planting a in November, as part of the government’s target of planting 15.9 billion trees.
The end game of the National Tree Growing + Restoration Campaign is increasing the national tree cover to 30% by 2032. More than 25 clubs participated in the initiative.
“We need to join hands and make it a habit to plant trees and ensure they grow to maturity,’’ District Governor Leonard Ithau said. “As an organization dedicated to positive change, Rotary is committed to creating a greener tomorrow with a strong focus on environmental conservation.’’
Rotarians are using a geo-mapping app to monitor the growth of the trees long after the planting event. The Jaza MITI App provides valuable guidance for those who are uncertain about which trees to plant, based on their location.
The Rotary Club of Nyeri in partnership with I&M Bank planted 500 trees at the Tetu Technical and Vocational Training College. The club has so far planted 3,500 trees since the beginning of the current Rotary year.
The Rotary club of Nairobi industrial area together with the Rotaract club of RTI- In Formation and the Rotary Club Of Nairobi North planted a total of 2,000 trees at Railway Training Institute in collaboration with Greener Cities and 13 other organisations.
Rotary Club of Ridgeways hosted tree planting exercises at Cheleta Primary School, Ciiko Primary School in Githunguri town, Garden Estate Primary School, Kileleshwa Primary School, St. Mary’s Thindigua and Muthurua Primary School.
Rotary Club of Kitengela played host at Dr. Likimani Primary School in Kitengela, while Rotary Club of Embu led the exercise at Kiamuringa Primary School. In Western region, Rotary Club of Kisii Central led the tree planting campaign at Nsaria Hilltop in Bonchari Sub Country while in Nakuru, the Rotary Club of Menegai was at Hyrax Primary School.
At the Kenyan coast, the Rotary Club of Bamburi led seven Rotary Clubs and six Rotaract Clubs clubs in planting 2,500 mangroove trees at Majaoni Creek in Utange. The trees were provided by Comensum Self Help Group, while partners who participated in the planting included Critical Mass Mombasa, a cyclists group.
