Communities have been asked to encourage students in all schools to plant more trees for environmental conservation, benefiting their studies while contributing to the protection of the country's natural resources.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said this when he led residents of Homa Bay County in marking this year's Mazingira Day celebrations at Lambwe in Mbita Sub-County.
Speaking on October 10 at Lambwe Forest Station, PS Omollo said students are among the biggest stakeholders in environmental conservation because they form a significant part of the population and are the future guardians of the country's natural resources.
He said involving learners in tree planting not only increases forest cover but also inculcates a culture of conservation, responsibility and patriotism from a young age.
Schools urged to establish tree nurseries and woodlots
He noted that schools have large tracts of land that can be used to establish tree nurseries and woodlots, which can later generate income for school development, provide shade, improve the learning environment and act as practical learning centres for Competency-Based Education subjects such as Agriculture and Environmental Studies.
The PS noted that Homa Bay County and the entire lake region have huge potential for eco-tourism that can be tapped to create employment and generate income, and challenged investors to venture into the activity.
He said the area is endowed with unique natural attractions that remain largely unexploited.
He cited Ruma National Park in Lambwe Valley, the only sanctuary in Kenya for the rare roan antelope, which also hosts buffaloes, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes and diverse bird species.
He added that the nearby Lambwe Forest is rich in indigenous trees and is a habitat for rare primates and butterflies, offering opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching and research tourism.
Omollo calls for investment in lake region eco-tourism
Omollo said Lake Victoria itself, with islands such as Rusinga, Mfangano and Takawiri, has scenic beaches, rock paintings and cultural sites of the Abasuba community that can attract both local and international tourists.
He noted that conservation of forests and wetlands around the lake will protect fish breeding grounds, improve lake water quality and make the region more attractive for beach tourism, boat safaris and sport fishing.
He challenged local and foreign investors to establish eco-lodges, campsites, cultural centres and tour guide enterprises around Ruma, Lambwe and the lake shores, saying such ventures will create jobs for youth and women and generate revenue for the county.
He asked the county government to improve access roads to these sites and market them aggressively.
PS warns against illegal logging and forest encroachment
He emphasised that forests and trees are critical for Homa Bay County, which has been experiencing the effects of climate change, including prolonged dry spells, poor harvests, receding water levels in Lake Victoria and soil erosion.
He said trees help support rainfall patterns, protect water sources, hold soil together to prevent erosion, purify the air, provide firewood, timber, fruits and medicine, and support wildlife that is central to eco-tourism.
He warned against illegal logging, charcoal burning and encroachment on forest land, saying enforcement teams have been directed to take firm action against offenders while encouraging alternative livelihoods.
PS Omollo led residents, students from various schools, Kenya Forest Service officers, Kenya Wildlife Service officers and county government officials in planting more than 7,000 indigenous and fruit seedlings in the Lambwe area.
He urged the youth to take advantage of government programmes on climate action and eco-tourism to form tree nursery and tour guide groups and benefit from funding.
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