19 July, 2021
There is a concern raised by environmentalists after Siaya County was declared with the least number of tree cover compared to other counties in Kenya.
Earlier, Chief Conservator from Kenya Forest Service Julius Kamau led an aerial and ground tour of Nyanza counties and surveyed the forest cover.
Mr. Kamau added that the motive of the visit was to report on the conservation, management, and protection of the cover of the trees. “My visit to this conservancy is to commend the good effort the service has demonstrated and also to assure my field officers of support from the headquarters towards increasing the national tree cover,” he affirmed.
According to assessment, Nyamira recorded highest by 7.29%, Kisii County second by 2.62 % cover, Homabay 2.59%, Kisumu 0.44%, and Siaya recorded the least by 0.42%.
The issues around environment conservation policies are not strictly adhered to in Siaya County and that prompted The Kenya Forest Service in conjunction with the National and County Government to commence on a serious activity dubbed, “plant-a-tree initiative with National Youth Service in Bondo and Rarieda Sub-Counties promising to extend the exercise to other remaining Sub-Counties of Gem, Ugunja, Ugenya, and Alego Usonga.
Siaya County is facing a serious environmental hurdle, including encroachment and degradation, calling for quick action to champion for the conservation and reach the country’s target of 10% forest cover, currently at 7.2%
According to a 2019 report by United Nations together with Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Kenya is lagging in terms of forest cover of 7.2% that translates to 3 million hectares of land occupied by natural tree species and planted forests.
Speaking to journalist, Darrel Onyango who represented National Youth Service, Siaya Chapter was behind the initiative and lamented the current climatic change.
Odongo added that the campaign was necessary after Siaya was ranked the least in tree cover with 0.42%.
“The campaign was dubbed GREEN KENYA WITH NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL, we got 10,000 seedlings from National Youth Council under joint effort worked closely with Kenya Forest Service and it was a success.
Youths who assisted us during the planting event were gathered from Social media and other registered youth groups around and mobilized them as a group while others planted on an individual basis.” Odongo affirmed.”
Odongo said that hitting the 10% tree cover has been a dream that will not be realized soon since the public have not been sensitized to the benefits of trees,
“Our people are unaware and have not been sensitized on benefits of planting trees, the is a big gap that should be filled and will only be realized when the right information is delivered to the public, We were amazed at the low turnout during the exercise that was below our expectations. ”He said
“Additionally, we thought the long period of dry spells and planting points were also not available, we can also say that led to low turnout and also hence we waited for rainy seasons hence we waited.” Darrel Odongo
During the recent environmental tour by Chief Environmentalist Julius Kamau, he appealed to the County Government of Siaya to ensure success in the gazettement procedure of hills and mountains in Siaya County to boost the number of trees. Mr. Odongo said gazettement of all hills and other bare lands to enable the public to plant trees freely,
“That will be a boost to the Government to hit the target button and we are anticipating for the implementation and if it is passed, they will be declared forest zones without any restrictions and we will boost the tree cover just like other counties.” Darrel Odongo
However, attaining the required number of trees has been a challenge brought by numerous barriers. Odongo highlighted many reasons are attributed to low forest cover,
“The reason why we have the lowest percentage of tree cover is that people cut down many trees and do not replace them by new ones, another reason is the negative attitude towards tree planting where people feel trees will take a long time to mature and lastly Siaya do not have assorted areas since post-independence that is reserved for planting trees, the land policies have not been implemented,” Odongo said.
Meanwhile, he called on the public to balance the benefits of trees and what they consider a barrier to planting trees saying that that tree contains medicinal values, atmospheric balance shade, source of food amongst others.
He said that trees are sources of income example wooden materials, beautifies environment, and also behind the modification of micro-climatic conditions that is becoming a global challenge,
“Trees are essential, we inhale fresh air when we plant many trees, they beautify environment for instance when you visit hotels, institutions and even along the road provide a spectacular view not forgetting.” He added.
During the interview, we spent time with Lawrence Owuor who runs Siaya’s Umoja Tree Nursery along Siaya-Kisumu Road who urged the public to plant trees,
“My name is Lawrence Owuor, I sell seedlings at Umoja Tree Nursery and indeed, our County is still behind in terms of tree cover, many people are not taking the initiative to plant trees we have a challenge in weather patterns and something should be done, County Government of Siaya should act aptly and help solve the situation.” Lawrence Owuor.
Owuor claimed that perpetrators who destroy the environment are walking free because there are no strict laws taken by the local Government on those who cut trees and do not plant even a single tree,
“ We need to exercise caution similar to other counties when it comes to the environment, other counties are at the front row and emphasize on conservation, as Siaya County we need to emulate them and make a difference, I call upon the County Government to work closely with us, provide financial support so that we improve.”
Lawrence added that Youths should drop their ego and invest in tree planting since it is paying just like any other work,
“Trees have got benefits, job opportunities are available but we can’t be employed at the same time, and through planting trees, we can get income but let us embrace tree planting to make a difference in the surrounding,” Lawrence concluded.
Lastly, Minister for Environment and Natural Resource, Charles Ogada hailed the move aimed at tree planting, soil conservation, and activities that empowers the public.
Speaking in Rarieda Sub-County, Ogada urged members of the public to be part and parcel of the projects that will directly improve their living standards,
“This project will be in Bondo and Rarieda Sub-Counties, the activities involved tree planting, soil conservations and also group empowerment like poultry productions and I would like to call our people to embrace the project.” Charles Ogada, Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Siaya County.
