Residents urged to take advantage of expected El Niño rains to plant trees

By Johnbosco Nateleng

Residents of Marsabit County have been urged to take advantage of the expected El Niño rains by planting trees to help achieve the government’s target of increasing tree cover across the country.

Speaking to Radio Jangwani in his office, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Marsabit County Chief Conservator Kennedy Muthuri said tree-planting efforts in the county have been affected by recurring droughts. He encouraged residents to use the anticipated rains to plant trees in every homestead, noting that the initiative would contribute to the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees nationwide.

Muthuri also advised residents to seek guidance from KFS officers in their areas on the most suitable tree species to plant. He said the varying climatic conditions across Marsabit County require careful selection of tree species that can withstand the environment in different locations.

He further noted that there are several methods of tree planting, including the use of seeds obtained from indigenous tree species.