As the world marked the International Day of Co-operatives on
July 4, 2020, the movement in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS)
commemorated the day through a tree planting exercise at Ngong Road Forest.
The theme of the celebration was ‘Coops for Climate Action’,
a move that has instigated youths to run a subsequent climate action awareness
week, aimed at creating a noble course.
Led by KFS Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Julias Kamau,
the youths’ initiative dubbed ‘Go Green Kenya’ has seen tree planting exercise
take place throughout the week.
Ngong Forest Road. Image Courtesy
“We have planted 50 commemorative indigenous trees and
we thank the CCF for facilitating our tree planting exercise at Ngong Road
Forest Station. We shall further adopt the trees and ensure that they grow by
regularly maintaining them.” Said Samuel Oloo, a representative of the
Youth Group.
The initiative was led by youths from KFS, International Cooperative
Alliance of Africa and Mutarakwa Harmony Cooperative.
Mr. Kamau said KFS, “recognizes efforts by such youth-led
Coops for contributing to conservation and equally calls on Kenyans to embrace
a tree growing culture towards the protection of our environment.”
He added that by taking such initiatives, the country will
be in a position to mitigate the adverse climate change, and secure the future
for the present and next generations.
Youth planting trees. image Courtesy
The move comes amid disputes of the Ngong Forest cover and
the illegally acquired land that has been rocking the country for weeks.
The government is moving towards reclaiming the illegally
acquired land inside Ngong Forest.
The Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said on
Monday that about 132 acres that several estates sit on were earmarked for a
school but were grabbed.
CS Tobiko reiterated government stance to the National
Assembly Committee on Environment, chaired by Kareke Mbiuki.
“The government will repossess all forest land grabbed by
powerful people in this country. We will not look at the tribe, political party
affiliation or social status. We must protect our forests from illegal
encroachment,” Mr Tobiko added.
The CS said the
gazette notice issued by Environment minister Francis Lotodo in 1998, though
illegal, clearly indicated that the 132-acre section of the forest ended up in
the hands of powerful individuals.
“You cannot excise forest land which is public property and
give it to private individuals. The law states that any part of de-gazetted
forest land must be used for public activity or amenity,” Mr Tobiko said.
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