The Masinga sub-county Environment and Conservation Officer Stephen Njoka has allayed fears that eucalyptus trees were behind the drying up of rivers.
He however advised residents against planting eucalyptus along riverbanks and in water catchment areas.
He said the species could be planted in other area without compromising environmental issues in the area.
Mr Njoka was speaking on Thursday during the launch of tree planting in the area ahead of the expected El Nino rains in Masinga.
The officer said that due to quick economical returns for eucalyptus trees, the species was popular in the country and thus consuming a lot of water and causing the drying up of the rivers in most parts of the country.
The officer urged residents to plant indigenous trees in their farms and in water catchment areas so as to increase water volume in existing rivers.
He said his department will be vigilant on any one planting the eucalyptus tress along the river banks.
He commended the Forestry Department in the Machakos County for offering his department with over 300,000 seedlings which will be planted throughout the area before the rains fall as predicted.