By Emily mikwa
The County Government of Kisumu in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization are targeting to plant a total of 1,500 assorted tree seedlings under the green Cities Initiative to prioritize tree planting as a means of enhancing green lifestyles, reduction of greenhouse gases and promoting climate smart sustainable land use systems, water and natural resources conservation and bio diversity.
This will be implemented through training of members of the 4K clubs in four Primary Schools: Kisumu Union Primary School in Kisumu Central Sub county, Tido Primary School in Kisumu East, Rabuor Primary in Nyando, Usoma Primary in Kisumu West that will become centers of excellence where people will learn best practices on tree planting and management
The Green Cities Initiative is a project sponsored by FAO, which focuses on improving the urban environment, strengthening urban -rural linkages and resilience of urban food systems.
With the dramatic increase in urban population in Kisumu, the demands corresponding to the attention for food, fuel, shelter and improving life quality, calls for design strategies including urban and Peri urban agroforestry.
It is on this premise that the initiative will focus on tree planting as a means of greening the City and improving the environment
Today, a total of sixty one 4K club members at Kisumu Union Primary School in Kisumu Central Sub county were trained on the best practices on tree planting and management.
The event was graced by the Kisumu Union Head teacher, Mr.Erick Ochieng Nyambok who commended the good move that he termed a remarkable step to the bright future of the school, while the teacher in charge of the 4K club, Madam Elizabeth Okuta was grateful for choosing Kisumu union as one of the centers of excellence.
The trainings in schools is a precursor to a major tree planting exercise scheduled for January 2022, where the champions target to plant a total of 1,500 assorted seedlings. The trees to be planted in schools will comprise ornamental, fruits and shade trees. After planting, each pupil will adopt a tree.
Besides, after consultation with the relevant authorities and KeNHA approved streets Kenya, a CBO will also be trained to help with the management of two streets after the Planting of trees. These include: the highways along Lions High School gate to Museum road on both sides and KICOMI to Railways road up to the fly over on the left side. This will comprise ornamental and shade trees
The trainers were county government officials: Mr. James Samo and Monica Aluoch Ajigo from the department of Agriculture, Martina Rita from Planning and Jaqueline Mueni Katu from the department of Environment.
