Gatundu North Sub-County residents have been asked to plant trees in plenty this month to ensure maximum use of the forthcoming El Nino rains.
Speaking in his Igegania office on Thursday, Gatundu North Forestry officer John Mahiuha said that planting of trees will ensure more use of the rain and increase tree cover in the region, which he said has gone down lately.
He said that the heavy rains will support the growth and survival of trees more than any other plant and encouraged residents to plant as many trees as possible.
"Trees tend to do well in such heavy rains. Residents should be ready to benefit from that rain through planting trees,” said Muhiuha.
He said that they are working closely with other stakeholders like tea factories that buy firewood from farmers to see how they can provide seedlings to residents.
He also asked institutions like hospitals and schools to set aside space and time for tree planting during the rainy period.
"Trees are not only beneficial to the environment but also have commercial value and can be a source of good income among other benefits,” said Muhiuha.