Ministry of Health Leads National Tree Planting Initiative in Pokot South Sub County

West Pokot, Kenya - On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula, took the helm in a national tree planting initiative at Chepkalit Secondary School in Lelan ward, Pokot South Sub County.

The event witnessed the participation of Principal Secretary for Public Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Speaker County Assembly Fredrick Kaptui Siywat, and DCC West Pokot Sub-County Wycliffe Mnanda.

During the initiative, CS Nakhumicha underscored the critical importance of environmental conservation, urging the community to actively engage in tree planting efforts and adhere to government advisories, especially during the long rains.

The Ministry of Health has set a target to plant 1 million trees annually, with the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards spearheading the planting of 25,000 seedlings during today’s event.

CS Nakhumicha also highlighted the government's commitment to supporting community health volunteers (CHVs), including providing them with stipends and necessary kits to enhance their effectiveness. She urged county governments to fulfill their obligation by ensuring timely payments to CHVs.

In a gesture of support towards education and environmental sustainability, CS Nakhumicha donated 100,000 towards the rehabilitation of Chepkalit Secondary School and pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to ensure a safe learning environment for students.

Today's exercise marks Kenya’s second National Tree Growing Day, following the inaugural ‘Green Holiday’ on November 13, 2023. The initiative aligns with the Presidential directive to increase forest cover by planting 15 billion trees by 2032, aiming to mitigate the effects of climate change and safeguard our environment for future generations.