Tree Planting
The CS for Energy and Petroleum Davis Chirchir led staff from the ministry in planting 1, 100 trees at Kona Baridi in Ngong Forest, Nairobi.
Those who participated in the exercise included the State Department for Petroleum, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and National Oil Company of Kenya (NOCK).
According to Mr. Chirchir, the exercise marked the start to the planting of 30 million trees over the next ten years by the Ministry. Overall, Government ministries, departments and agencies have been directed to plant 15 billion trees over the same period.
"This gives us an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact and forge a path towards environmental stewardship," said the CS.
He added: "Our world is constantly changing. It is our responsibility to adapt and respond to the challenges is presents, us to recognize the inspirational marvels of nature, urging us to cherish and protect it for future generations."
Mr. Chirchir noted that tree planting was not only an environmental issue, but an integral part of the energy strategy as well.
"It highlights our commitment to promoting sustainable practices, reducing our carbon footprint and, fostering a greener and healthier future for all Kenyans. This holistic approach reinforces the significance of tree planting and environmental conservation in achieving our energy and sustainability goals," he added.
The CS observed that tree planting not only enhances beauty of our landscapes, but also contributes to carbon absorption, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation which is directly aligned with the Ministry's commitment to transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy sector.
In his address, the PS for Petroleum Mr. Mohamed Liban said that his department has been tasked to plant 15Million trees on 120 hectares in Ngong Forest in the next five years.
To ensure the success and longevity of the trees, the Department had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Forest Services (KFS) to facilitate the successful tree planting exercise and after care, he added.
“While the State Department plants the trees, KFS will take care of them, ensuring their growth and contributing to the overall health of our ecosystems’’, pointed out the PS.
He said that the Department’s tree planting initiative aligns with Kenya's development blueprint, Vision 2030 adding that by engaging in such activities, the staff would actively contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental conservation, and promotion of a green economy.
“This event holds great significance for the State Department for Petroleum and our Nation as a whole. We recognize the immense advantages that tree planting brings to our environment, economy, and society”, concluded the PS.