In an effort to enhance the 10% forest cover and mitigate the effects of climate change and global warming, Centre for character and leadership (CCL) in collaboration with environmental actors planted 400 indigenous tree seedlings at KBC Police Station. The occasion was graced by Evans Mose, Deputy Sub-County Police Commander, Matungulu Sub-County. The tree seedlings were donated by the East African Cables.

Speaking during the occasion, Mr. Japheth Ouda, Director of Environment and Service Program (EASP) at CCL, emphasized the need for individual responsibility towards environment conservation. “Environmental conservation is a responsibility of each individual. We should therefore take responsibility of our environment by growing more trees,” he said. Driven by the motto ‘Plant a Tree, Save the Future’, CCL aims to inspire a generation of loving citizens who are environmental conscious and dedicated in mitigating the effects of climate change, global warming and enhanced food security.

Although the primary responsibility of the Kenya Administration Police is law enforcement, CCL collaboration with the KBC Police station in tree growing initiative will have a long-lasting impact on the community wellbeing. The Police station is located in a semi-arid area and its surrounding community have very few trees compared with the desired goal of 10% forest cover as stipulated in the blue print Kenya Vision 2030 and the Constitution. “I like planting trees; we shall join hands together to ensure that our environment and country as a whole is very green” said Bernard Mugasia, Officer Commanding KBC Police Station as he led the stakeholders and police in planting the trees.

Towards the end, Joyce Mbugua, Procurement Manager at East African Cables urged the police to take care of the trees. “We usually donate our personal time to make sure that the tree growing project does not fail. So, take care of the trees,” she said. Other partners who participated in the tree growing initiative included Restore Man’s Integrity Foundation and Kenya Forestry Research Institute.