PS Isaboke urges schools to lead tree-planting drive during Mazingira Day

Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke has urged schools across the country to intensify tree planting as the best way of preventing global warming and demonstrating patriotism to their country.

Speaking at Chirichiro Comprehensive School in Ibeno Ward, Nyaribari Chache Constituency, Kisii County, on Friday during a tree planting exercise organised ahead of Mazingira Day celebrations, Isaboke said trees are critical in mitigating climate change, conserving water towers, improving rainfall patterns and securing food production for future generations, adding that every school has a responsibility to lead the campaign.

The PS said the exercise was deliberately brought forward to Friday to give Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) faithful, who rest on Saturday, a chance to participate in the national exercise. Chirichiro area has a large SDA population, and the Friday programme ensured no one was left out.

"Planting a tree is an act of patriotism. When you plant a tree in your school, you are securing the future of Kenya and showing love for your country," Isaboke said.

He noted that schools have enough land and youthful energy to achieve the government's target of 15 billion trees by 2032. He challenged pupils to each adopt and nurture at least two fruit trees to improve nutrition and green their compounds.

Reminding the public that this year's Mazingira Day theme is "Panda Miti, Boresha Maisha," the PS emphasised that every tree planted is an investment in a healthier pathway towards resilience and a friendly environment.

Isaboke lauded the Kisii County Forester, who was present together with William Ojijo, for being at the forefront in the fight against climate change in partnership with schools and churches. He asked schools and churches to intensify the fight against climate change and challenged other leaders to follow their example.

Later in the day, the PS inspected development projects, including the ongoing construction and renovation of Ibeno Comprehensive School through a Sh60 million grant from Safaricom Foundation, and an ICT hub at Masige West Ward in Bobasi Constituency. He underscored the importance of ICT laboratories in learning institutions as key enablers of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

He was joined by pupils, teachers, the Board of Management, parents and local administration. Over 2,000 seedlings, including indigenous and fruit trees, were planted at the school.

Community members led by Ibeno Ward MCA Steve Arica and elders said the initiative will also help control soil erosion in the hilly area and boost fruit production.

Isaboke called on other leaders to go back to their former primary schools and plant trees as part of the "Turudi Primo Tukapande" campaign for this year's Mazingira Day.