by Orenge Wycliff
Kisii County Marks Inaugural Mazingira Day with Tree Planting and Clean-Up Activities
By Orenge Wycliff
Kisii, October 10, 2024 – Kisii County held a memorable celebration of the newly named Mazingira Day today, marked by tree planting and a town-wide clean-up exercise. The event, spearheaded by Kisii County Government, brought together various stakeholders, including the Kisii National Polytechnic, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). This year’s Mazingira Day, formerly known as Moi Day and then Utamaduni Day, was a significant step in raising awareness about environmental conservation in line with national and global sustainability goals.
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The celebration was led by Mrs. Leah Bwari Ogega, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Water, Environment, and Climate Change, who championed the tree planting activity that took place within the Kisii National Polytechnic grounds. The initiative aimed to promote afforestation and reduce environmental degradation in the region. Following the tree planting, volunteers and officials moved to Kisii Town, where they conducted a town-wide clean-up, collecting garbage in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the environment clean and free from pollution.
Mazingira Day: A New Era of Environmental Action
The introduction of Mazingira Day marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s environmental conservation efforts. The day, which had been known as Moi Day and Utamaduni Day before its recent rebranding, is now dedicated to environmental restoration activities such as tree planting and community clean-up drives. As part of the rebranding, the national government has underscored the importance of dedicating a national holiday to environmental conservation, encouraging communities across the country to contribute to achieving Kenya’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees over the next decade.
The theme for this year’s Mazingira Day was “Restoring Our Ecosystems,” and it resonated with many participants. The event at Kisii National Polytechnic symbolized the county’s commitment to restoring the environment and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ogega emphasized the role that every individual and institution must play in realizing these objectives.
“Kisii County is taking proactive steps towards environmental conservation. This tree planting exercise is just one of many initiatives we are rolling out as part of our broader environmental agenda. We are keen on ensuring that we meet our target of planting 15 million trees annually. This will not only help in mitigating climate change but also improve the livelihoods of our people by providing a sustainable source of resources,” said Mrs. Ogega.
Urging the Public to Act
The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including students from the Kisii National Polytechnic, county officials, environmental activists, and members of the local community. Among the key speakers was Mr. Kiprono Gibson, the NEMA representative for Kisii County. He called on residents to take an active role in environmental conservation by abandoning the use of polythene bags, which have remained a significant challenge in waste management.
“Polythene bags are non-biodegradable and pose a huge threat to our environment. They remain in the soil for decades without decomposing, and their continued use threatens both land and aquatic ecosystems. We urge all residents of Kisii to embrace alternative eco-friendly options for their daily needs,” urged Mr. Gibson.
In 2017, the Kenyan government banned the use of plastic carrier bags, but enforcement remains a challenge in some regions. NEMA has continued to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the need for proper waste management. Gibson reiterated that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility and urged Kisii residents to work towards eliminating polythene bags from their households and businesses.
Kisii County’s Environmental Target
Kisii County is not new to environmental conservation efforts, having engaged in various afforestation and conservation programs over the years. The county is working towards a target of planting 15 million trees annually, contributing to the national goal of 15 billion trees by 2034 as directed by President William Ruto. This bold initiative is part of the broader strategy to combat deforestation and enhance forest cover, which currently stands at 7.2% in Kenya. The government’s goal is to increase forest cover to at least 10% in the coming years.
With Kisii County already having planted 10 million trees this year, the region is on track to meet its target. The collaborative efforts between the county government, schools, TVET institutions, and the local community have been instrumental in realizing this progress.
Speaking during the event, Mrs. Ogega highlighted the need for continued support from learning institutions, particularly TVETs, in helping meet the tree-planting goals. “We are calling on schools and other learning institutions to actively engage in tree planting and environmental restoration activities. By doing so, we not only contribute to the environment but also instill the values of conservation in future generations,” she said.
Mobilizing Youth for Environmental Conservation
A key feature of this year’s Mazingira Day was the involvement of youth in the activities. Students from Kisii National Polytechnic played an active role in both the tree planting and clean-up exercises. The event provided a platform for young people to learn about environmental stewardship and take responsibility for their surroundings.
“Youth have the energy and the creativity needed to make a significant impact on our environment. We are glad to see so many young people participate in today’s event. We believe that through such initiatives, we can build a culture of environmental responsibility among the younger generation,” said Mr. Gibson during his address.
The inclusion of youth in environmental conservation initiatives is part of a wider effort by the government to tap into the potential of Kenya’s young population in driving sustainable development. As part of its strategy, the government has been engaging TVET institutions in environmental projects, recognizing their role in providing practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
A Call for Collective Action
As Kisii County celebrates the first Mazingira Day, the message from both county officials and environmental advocates is clear: environmental conservation is a collective responsibility. The event served as a reminder that everyone, from government institutions to ordinary citizens, has a role to play in protecting and preserving the environment.
“We cannot leave environmental conservation to the government alone. Every individual has a part to play in ensuring that we leave behind a clean and sustainable environment for future generations. Whether it is through planting trees, managing waste, or simply making eco-friendly choices, we all have a responsibility to protect our environment,” Mrs. Ogega concluded.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Kisii County has set its sights on achieving even more ambitious environmental goals. The county government is planning a series of follow-up activities throughout the year, including the establishment of community nurseries, awareness campaigns on sustainable practices, and more clean-up drives in collaboration with local organizations.
As the first Mazingira Day celebration comes to an end, Kisii County has set a precedent for what environmental conservation can look like at the grassroots level. With strong leadership, community involvement, and the commitment of institutions like NEMA and KFS, the county is on track to make a meaningful contribution to Kenya’s broader environmental conservation efforts.
For now, the trees planted today at Kisii National Polytechnic will serve as a reminder of the importance of this national day and the collective action required to safeguard our planet for future generations.
Tags: Mazingira Day, Kisii County, Environmental Conservation, Tree Planting, Clean-Up Activities, NEMA, KFS, Kenya Forest Service, TVET Institutions, Climate Change, Afforestation, Polythene Ban, William Ruto, Sustainable Development.
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