President William Ruto says that the only solution to curb drought in Kenya is by engaging in farming through the planting of trees.
During the commissioning of Thiba Dam in Kirinyaga county, Ruto said that the country is already suffering due to the effects of climate change. This is due to the drought that is being experienced in most parts of the nation currently.
The President urged Kenyans to be mindful of their environment by taking good care of it. Ruto says that a policy has been made to ensure that 50 billion trees are planted in Kenya.
“As a country, we must realize that as a member of the global community, we have a challenge of climate right here with us. We have farming, we have the most severe drought in 40 years, confirming that we are already suffering the effects of climate change,” said the head of state.
The President said that all Kenyans should plant at least 100 trees in any conducive place. He terms that as a solution to ensure water and food are available in the country as it will reduce the climatic patterns.
“Every Kenyan, 50 million of us, must plant at least 100 trees, either in your compound, on your farm or in any other place you find…that is the surest way for us to turn around the climate so that we can have water, grow crops, do dams like the one we have here, we can expand our agriculture, agro-processing, value addition, grow our economy, eliminate hunger, grow jobs and make sure we have prosperity that is shared by the 50 million of us.”
The head of state added that everyone should be involved in planting trees, including those in opposition. He said that the work of the opposition should not only see the bad done by the government but also join hands in planting trees.
“I am asking every Kenyan, wherever they are, hata wale ndugu zetu wa upinzani, ni vizuri wakati wanatukosoa pia wapande miti.” he said.
