Three organisations in Kisumu target to plant a million trees to conserve the environment and curb deforestation.
Hindu Council of Kenya, Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation and Kenya Vegetarian Club have planted more than 400 trees in seven schools in Kisumu Central constituency.
County Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation chair Atieno Otieno said trees have been planted in Kisumu Girls, Highway School, Arya among others.
She urged residents to plant at least one tree to conserving the environment which they as human beings depend on more than wildlife does.
Speaking during the tree planting exercise on Monday, Atieno said trees should be planted during the rainy season.
“Locals should understand that it is only by planting trees that they will be able to get fresh water from rivers and streams,” Atieno said.
She commended the community for coming together to plant trees as it will go a long way in conserving the environment.
She said the tree organisations are partnering to distribute seedlings to schools, health centres and to local farmers to promote agroforestry.
Atieno encouraged women farmers to set aside 10 per cent of their farms for trees, saying this will restore the drying streams in the area.
The chair lady told schools to establish seedlings nurseries to promote agroforestry. She said the exercise should be an annual affair to inculcate a tree planting culture among Kenyans.
She also challenged the youths to devote their energy in planting trees instead of engaging in criminal activities.