County improves its forest cover as world marks environmental day

Mt Elgon, Tuesday, June 6, 2023

by Douglas Mudambo

As the world mark International Environment Day, Bungoma County has made tremendous steps towards increasing its forest cover from 7.9 percent to 20 percent in 2023. 

Speaking at Kibabi University ground while leading the County in marking the International Environmental Day, Bungoma Governor, Kenneth Lusaka, said that to realize 15 billion trees as a directive from President William Ruto, to increase forest cover by 30 percent to mitigate Climate Change, the County has already achieved 20,000 seedlings and the County will set strategies to plant more.

Lusaka said that International World Environmental Day was reached at after the United Nation Environmental Program (UNEP), proposed a special day in 1972, that was and will be marked on June 5th of every year.

This year’s theme "beat plastic pollution highlighting people action towards plastic pollution reduction,”

Bungoma Governor noted that the Environment Day is being hosted by Ivory Coast in collaboration with Netherlands, where leadership will be showcasing leadership in fighting plastic pollution.

He said that his Administration has a well-established structures, to manage and conserve the environment.

Lusaka said that through the Department of Tourism, Environment and Climate Change, the County has undertaken several environmental measures across the County, among them include formulated policies such as Climate Change Act, Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy, Environmental Policy (Draft), Solid waste management (Draft) which is highlighted on the theme."

Lusaka said he has already gazetted the County Environment Committee, which brings together all environmental players to enhance operations.

He further said that his County has put in place the Climate Change Committee in all the 45 Wards across the County, to address Climate Change related impacts to improve the livelihood of the Bungoma people.

The County Chief said his Administration has taken interest in proper solid waste management in 50 urban centres across the County, including dumpsite management.

Lusaka noted that his Administration is undertaking urban planning with emphasis in environmental conservation that include, creation of green spaces, expansion of the sewer systems, proper drainage systems, proper solid waste management among others.

Dr. Margaret Makelo, Governor’s Wife, played host to Tessie Musalia, spouse to Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, during the commemoration of World Environmental Day at Kibabii University Grounds in Bungoma.

Courtesy ; K. N. A