The Company in collaboration with Bidco Africa Ltd and other stakeholders jointly organized a Bamboo tree planting drive at Ruiru Dam on Saturday, June 8th 2019. The event was presided over by First Lady H.E Margaret Kenyatta.
The First Lady said the tree planting drive will help mitigate against the effects posed by climate change.
“Climate change is a consequence of our action. Our participation today in this noble exercise is commendable as it will go a long way in restoring our ecosystem and biodiversity.”
She further stated that the global environment continues to face numerous challenges ranging from pollution, deforestation, desertification and scarcity of natural resources.
She also noted that forests have multiple benefits and called upon stakeholders to seek for innovative solutions to restore water towers.
“We must be better advocates and champions of environ-mental conservation in order to contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Forests ensures there is food security be-sides it being of medicinal value.” She said.
Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, Keriako Tobiko, said the presidential directive on tree planting is on course while decrying the state forest cover in the country.
“The country’s forest cover stands at dismal 7.2% while at independence it was 30%. We must strive to achieve the 10% forest cover by the year 2022 as directed by the president.” He said.
He also called on the corporates to invest more on environmental initiatives. “Environment and water is life. Corporates can protect the environment and still make profits.” He noted.
NCWSC Ag. Managing Director Eng. Nahason Muguna said the planting of bamboo seedling within the catchment will bring forth many benefits.
“Some of the benefits to the catchment include the restoration of the water cycle which has been distorted by deforestation and thus the climatic challenges we see affecting the weather patterns “He said.
Over 10,000 tree seedlings were planted during the event attended by local leadership among others Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, environmentalist, corporates and students.