The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary CPA John Mbadi presides over a tree planting activity in Sorget Forest block in Kericho County.

The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary CPA John Mbadi today presided over a tree planting activity in Sorget Forest block in Kericho County.

The Cabinet Secretary said that the exercise was part of the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign launched by H.E the President Dr. William Ruto.

He reiterated the need to safeguard forest resources to protect the environment and improve food security.

“Tree planting is of particular importance in this region which is the country’s bread basket,” the CS said.

He added that the government was committed to finishing projects it had initiated in the region including the Ksh 500 million Londiani Referral Hospital.

With a forest cover of 20.61 per cent, Kericho county has an estimated 71,712.76 hectares of forest covering Londiani, South Tinderet, Western Mau and South West Mau forest reserves.

In attendance were Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, Kipkelion East MP Joseph Kipchororot, Economic Planning Secretary Timothy Gakuu, NEPAD Chief Executive Officer Amb. Dr Samori Okwiya and NG-CDF South Rift Regional Coordinator Samuel Kimani among others.