SPEECH BY HON. CPA JOHN MBADI, EGH CABINET SECRETARY THE NATIONAL TREASURY AND ECONOMIC PLANNING READ BY MR. JAMES MUHATI, CBS, PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING AT THE TREE PLANTING EVENT IN NYANDARUA COUNTY ON FRIDAY, 30TH AUGUST 2024
It is a great honor and privilege to be here with you today, at this auspicious occasion of Tree planting in Nyandarua County, Geta Forest, Wanjohi Block.
The significance of tree planting cannot be overstated. Forests are essential to survival: they absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and regulate the climate.
We are all acutely aware of the triple planetary crisis that confronts humanity today: climate change; nature and biodiversity loss; and pollution. Kenya has witnessed the devastating impacts of these crises firsthand. Recently, the country witnessed the worst drought in over four decades, resulting in the loss of 2.5 million livestock and affecting the livelihoods of more than 4 million Kenyans. Just a few months ago, floods caused widespread havoc across the country, triggering a humanitarian crisis and inflicting substantial economic losses, including severe damage to infrastructure.
The economic losses from climate change in the past decade alone have been staggering, costing the country an estimated 3% to 5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These adverse effects continue to be felt and challenge budgetary planning and revenue generation, as the country strives to mitigate and rehabilitate the economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This tree planting exercise therefore, is in line with the National Tree Growing and Restoration campaign which was launched by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. (Dr.) William Ruto, as part of planting and restoring tree cover to 10.6 million hectares of environmentally degraded areas.
The campaign dubbed Mission 15B#Jaza Miti will see the country grow 15 billion tree seedlings moving the nation’s forest cover to 30% by 2032. This campaign is a call to action for all Kenyans to embrace tree planting as a crucial part of the fight against climate change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we are honored to join the great people of Nyandarua in planting and nurturing 35,000 seedlings. It is worth noting that Nyandarua County has a tree cover of approximately 27.56% which is among the highest in the Country. I urge the County to expand this cover to even surpass the national set target of 30%.
The National Treasury and Economic Planning has adopted this forest and will continue to collaborate with you and other stakeholders in tree planting events and initiatives.
As I conclude, I would like to express gratitude to all stakeholders who have made this event successful. May this day be a symbol of our determination to attaining positive impact on the environment. I would also wish to thank everyone present, and urge you to continue to actively plant trees even beyond today. May our efforts contribute significantly to the realization of the national goal – 15 billion trees by 2032.
Together, let us sow the seeds of a sustainable future. Allow me to leave you with a Greek proverb which says that ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit’. Let us plant these trees today, to protect our natural heritage and for the benefit of future generations.
