Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu wants the government to come up with stricter measures to curb deforestation by protecting forests and riparian areas across the country.

Speaking during a tree-planting drive in Kandara Constituency, spearheaded by Joe Nyutu Foundation, the senator said, continued destruction of forests had contributed to the growing adverse effects of global warming like droughts, floods, heatwaves, along with rising sea levels, hence posing as a serious threat to future generations.

“We have heard reports of deforestation activities in areas like Karura Forest, we have even heard of constructions in some forested areas in this country and that is why the government must continue taking care of the environment and put in place strong measures to stop this kind of destruction,” he said.

Nyutu noted that while global warming was eminent, fighting the calamity largely depended on our own commitment to plant and nurture trees, so as to fight deforestation at all costs. The senator hailed the government initiative of planting fruit trees, saying they will not only help restore forest cover, but also provide an economic boost to local communities in the coming years.

He urged Murang’a residents to be at the frontline of environmental conservation by ensuring that whenever they cut one tree, they plant at least 10, so as to secure a safe future for generations to come.

At the same time, the senator emphasized the importance of nurturing planted trees to maturity, especially during the formative stages, when rains are unpredictable.

“Ensure you water the trees we plant today. Even if the rains will be depressed this season, the effort we make now will determine the survival of these seedlings,” he added.

Joe Nyutu Foundation Manager Kimani Henry said the organisation had so far planted over 3,600 tree seedlings including indigenous species with both ecological and medicinal value in various schools across the county.

Among the partners present during the event were Cape Media Limited and Mount Kenya University, where the two institutions pledged continued support for environmental conservation efforts through awareness and research initiatives.

Mount Kenya University’s Festus Nduva encouraged residents to plant tree varieties that can thrive in different climatic conditions.

“We are continuously researching on which trees perform best in various regions and those that can benefit communities economically, even in dry seasons,” he said.

A local farmer, Joe Ndung’u, who participated in the exercise, said the initiative was a timely intervention that will help restore the environment and improve livelihoods.

“Planting of trees has both environmental and economic value. In a few years’ time, these fruit trees will provide shade, food and even income for our families,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Florence Kinyua