Learning institutions in Trans Nzoia have received fruit tree seedlings from the Office of the First Lady in a move aimed at boosting food security.
The initiative dubbed ‘Mama Fruit Gardens’ donated variety of fruit seedlings to primary schools within Kitale Township.
Speaking during the launch in Kitale, First Lady Rachel Ruto said the move was aimed at providing school going children with nutritional supplements as well as boosting retention in schools once the fruit trees mature.
She said majority of children miss the nutritive value of fruits hence the initiative to have fruit gardens in schools.
Mrs. Ruto added that the initiative was part of the government’s plan to increase the country’s forest cover saying it also exposes tree planting awareness to learners; making them embrace environmental conservation culture at a younger age.
The First Lady expressed concern over the continuous degradation of forests noting that it is posing a threat to human life and called for interventions to mitigate it before getting out of hand.
“I call every Kenyan to take tree planting as a personal responsibility. This will enable us to achieve the national forest cover requirements. Learning institutions are at the best position of boosting forest cover,” she said.
She called on the learning institutions to embrace alternative cooking techniques to avoid use of firewood and charcoal, which she said poses a threat to the forests.
Learning institutions that benefited from the fruit garden program include Milimani Primary, Top Station primary and St. Joseph’s Primary and High schools.
By Philemon Kiprop
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