The Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage was joined by the Deputy CCF (Plantation Management and Inventory) Mr. Andrew Soi, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, and Kwale Senator Boy Issa Juma among other leaders, senior State Department officials and members of the public.

Hon. Jumwa said the planting ceremony is part of the measures the government is taking to address the climate change challenge. She urged the residents to take up tree growing in their homes as part of ensuring cleaner air.

She added that the government is committed to attaining 15 billion trees grown by 2032 through the whole of government approach, all hands on deck.

Mr. Soi noted that Kwale County has both marine and terrestrial ecosystems that are interlinked with the county having underground water channels that mangroves depend on to survive.

He added that Shimba Hills forest is a source of seven rivers that are a source of fresh water for Mombasa County and its environs.