Dedan Kimathi Foundation, Kenya Defense Forces & NGAO Githunguri Tree Growing- Phase 4

Sustainable tree growing has been cited as an efficient climate change mitigation technique that most Kenyans can readily engage in. Advantage of trees in carbon absorption and storage cannot be underplayed. In addition trees have been used to convert arid lands to be arable, cool the environment, preserve biodiversity, restructure rainfall patterns and increase food security among other unmatched benefits.

With the presidential 15 billion tree growing and forest restoration campaign running under NGAO, citizens have continued to embrace trees and shifting to tree growing from the previously employed tree planting norm.

Today, November 5th 2024, Dedan Kimathi Foundation, KDF Thika Engineers Brigade and NGAO conducted the phase 4 of Githunguri Sub County tree growing. The team, enjoying the input of Githunguri probation officers conducted a 10,000 tree growing series of activities at Githunguri DCC’s Compound, Gathanji Cemetery, Kiairia Police post and Ruiru dam. The assorted seedlings as donated by the KDF included Mexican green ash, Casuarina equisetifolia, White bottle brush and avocado and mango fruit trees all of which are highly suitable for Githunguri climatic conditions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the incoming Githunguri DCC, Madam Hellen urged her officers to ensure the trees planted are well taken care of and captured in the Jaza Miti App. Her remarks were supported by Captain B. Mwangi heading the brigade who urged the tree growers to be results-oriented and remain committed to proper aftercare.

Madam Monicah of Githunguri Probation office promised to support the process with labour from the convicted persons on probation. Her sentiments were lauded by Dedan Kimathi Foundation Environment Conservation team leader, Dickson Maina by calling for concerted efforts to ensure trees planted are grown to benefit the community and counter climate change effects.

As the country anticipates the November short rains, the team called upon the community to engage in massive tree growing to achieve 30% national tree cover by 2032 by covering 30% of their farms with trees.