Kiambu County residents joined other Kenyans in marking the inaugural Mazingira day celebrations in a tree planting exercise at the friends of Ondiri wetlands in Kikuyu Town.
Over 4000 tree seedlings were planted on the day in an effort towards environmental conservation and preservation.
Officials from National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kiambu County Government led by CECM for Water, Environment and Natural Resources David Kuria were on hand for the tree planting expedition.
The event also marks a significant step in conservation of the reclaimed riparian land that occupies the Ondiri area.
Speaking after the tree planting exercise, Kuria noted that trees have a surplus of benefits to human beings ranging from purifying air, clean water, medicinal herbs, soil conservation and beautifying the environment among others things.
He called on residents present to embrace tree planting not just as a one day affair but rather a continuous process. He also urged those present to practice planting trees that are riparian friendly.
“As populations increase, so must our tree cover and I urge you to embark on tree planting not just here but even on your lands,” Kuria said.
He further commended the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Forest Service who provided a good number of the tree seedlings and for organising and providing equipment used at the site.
Kuria said the activity sets a platform that will sensitise locals on the importance of planting riparian friendly trees as measures of environmental conservation.
“I want to thank officials from NEMA along with members from Kenya Forest Service for being at the forefront of this environment conservation exercise,” he concluded.
Friends of Ondiri Wetlands chief Coordinator David Wakonge said that their job does not end with tree planting but rather through frequent care so as to ensure their maturity.
“Nurturing these trees and making sure that they have grown to maturity is the commitment that is most important and as that is our cornerstone for environmental conservation,” he said
Wakonge said that the Ondiri wetlands provides water to surrounding areas proving a vital cog and welcomed the Inaugural Mazingira day noting its significance towards environment conservation.
“Such initiatives will go a long way in creating environment conservation awareness at the grassroots and by planting trees we are creating a lasting impact on the health and resilience of the ecosystem leaving a legacy on the environment for future generations,” he said.
Also present were members from Eco-Earth Warriors Kenya, an organisation where young women champion for environmental purity and responsibility and students from Alliance boys high school.
Mazingira day replaces Moi day, officially assented into bill by President William Ruto in November 2023 and is in line with his much publicised agenda on environment conservation
