Lodwar, 10th May 2024 (Governor’s Press Service)– Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today led the county in celebrating National Tree Growing Day, reiterating his administration’s commitment to the Greening Turkana campaign, a key pillar of his sixth agenda on Natural Resources Management.
Speaking at Mission of Hope – Turkana High School, Governor Lomorukai highlighted investments made to increase forest cover, aligning with President William Ruto’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
“Beyond the President’s call, greening Turkana is a top priority for my government,” Governor Lomorukai declared. “As outlined in my sixth agenda, we aim for sustainable natural resource management that benefits current and future generations, while fostering sustainable livelihoods within Turkana County.”
The Governor announced a plan to plant 10 million trees annually, with a target survival rate of 7 million. He also outlined several conservation programmes, including establishing green spaces in Lodwar, creating community conservancies along border areas, controlling the invasive Prosopis Juliflora plant, and pursuing the transfer of Turkana South National Reserve to county management.
Governor Lomorukai expressed concern about the lack of response to bandit attacks in Turkana South and East. He highlighted the devastating losses of livestock suffered by residents and questioned the role of intelligence agencies in failing to report these incidents to the Ministry of Interior.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to partner with the National Government in supporting the President’s agenda.
The National Tree Growing Day was first marked in 2022 to encourage planting of trees and to create awareness on the importance of conservation and the role played by forests in sustaining the environment.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus echoed the Governor’s sentiments on conservation of natural resources, highlighting the importance of tree planting in boosting forest cover.
Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit condemned the recent rise in banditry and livestock theft in Turkana South and Loima, urging increased police presence in Kakong’u.
County Commissioner Julius Kavita encouraged residents to embrace tree planting and warned against charcoal burning, emphasizing that the government will take action to curb the practice.
Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar called for sensitization programme on forest conservation under the FLLOCA framework. He promised to investigate the effectiveness of riverbank protection works along River Kawalase and assured support for residents affected by recent floods.
County Executive for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources and Climate Leah Audan shared plans for environmental conservation, including the passage of the Turkana County Forestry Bill.
Kanamkemer MCA James Ikeny led a team of MCAs who spoke at the event.
