Jua Kali artisans in Thika's Jamhuri Market have been lauded for their contribution towards reducing deforestation in the county.
Speaking at their operation site in the market on Thursday, Kiambu County Director of Environment Andrew Kimani, said that the artisans' idea of selling recycled construction sheets made from old metallic drums has helped reduce deforestation in the county.
"The work of these and other artisans elsewhere in the county recycling metallic drums is commendable," said Kimani.
He added: "Their work, we have proved, has helped reduce cutting down of trees as many people are now using these materials which are cheaper to build houses instead of wood."
Kimani said that such environmental friendly initiatives should be encouraged by both levels of government seeing that they had numerous benefits to the country. He noted that a large portion of Kiambu was fast losing its tree cover due to urbanisation.
"Everything that seems to discourage deforestation should be encouraged and supported. This a good idea and people have embraced it," he added.
He called on the county government to help the artisans build capacity to be able to produce more and circulate widely.