The launch of the national tree growing day for Meru County was held at Meru Forest Station (Kithima beat) and presided over by Ms. Wanjiku Manyatta the Director ASALS and Regional Development as the chief guest representing PS State Department for ASALs & Regional Development. In her address the chief guest asked participants to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of persons who lost their lives as a result of floods, she encouraged other stakeholders, communities and individuals to plant trees in their own farms to accelerate the attainment of 30% tree cover by 2032.
Others present included Senator Meru County Hon. Kathuri Murungi, MP North Imenti Hon. Rahim Dawood. The Chief Conservator of Forest Mr. Alex Lemarkoko was represented by Dr. Benjamin Kinyili the Manager in charge of Forest Survey & Information Management, who emphasized a call for action to conserve and protect reparian areas.
In attendance County Commissioner Meru County Mr. Jacob Ouma, Assistant Regional Conservator- Eastern, County Forest Conservator Meru Mr. Wellington Ndaka and other Heads of Department. Seedlings planted at the launch site were 26,213, and other sites planted included 2,620 in Ruthumbi Station, 9,000 seedlings in Ontulili Station, Gambela Wetland 11,017 and 3,000 in Ngaya Station. Cumulatively, 51,840 seedlings were planted today. In the build-up planting activities, 464,000 seedlings were planted. Total seedlings planted in Meru County 515,840.
