Kaiti Constituency Member of Parliament, Joshua Kimilu, has launched this season’s tree planting initiative across 46 schools in his constituency. The event took place at Engavu Secondary School, where Kimilu was joined by local leaders, students, and teachers to kick off the campaign. The MP, known for his dedication to environmental conservation, emphasized the importance of nurturing the planted trees until they are fully grown and reiterated the role of education in promoting sustainable practices among the younger generation.
The initiative, spearheaded through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF), aims to plant 500 trees in each of the 46 schools in Kaiti. This massive undertaking is part of Kimilu’s broader strategy to enhance environmental awareness and combat climate change within the community. In his address during the launch, Kimilu highlighted that tree planting is not just about increasing the number of trees, but also about ensuring their survival. “It’s not all about planting; we should plant and nurture them till they are fully grown,” he stated. “We should also teach our children how to plant and take care of the trees.”
Kimilu’s vision for the initiative goes beyond just planting trees. He emphasized the need for a hands-on approach to education, particularly during the festive season when students are at home with their families. “We want our children to go back to school safe and sound,” he said. “Parents have a big role to play in this; they should not leave everything to teachers. They need to help their children revise their schoolwork, engage in household chores, and also participate in tree planting at home.”
The MP’s call for parental involvement reflects his broader concern for the well-being of students and the future of the environment. “Parents need to be proactive in teaching their children the importance of conservation and the value of planting trees,” Kimilu urged. “This initiative is not just about today; it’s about ensuring that our environment remains sustainable for generations to come.”
Kimilu’s message resonated with the community, as many attendees expressed their support for the tree planting initiative. Local leaders, including the county government officials, pledged their support in terms of resources and manpower to help make the initiative a success. The MP also called for more collaboration between the community, schools, and local authorities to ensure the long-term survival of the trees.
This initiative by Kimilu is part of a wider trend across Kenya where local leaders are taking environmental conservation into their own hands, often utilizing resources from their constituencies to drive such campaigns. In Kaiti, this effort is seen as a critical step towards addressing deforestation and promoting reforestation within the constituency.
As the season progresses, Kimilu plans to monitor the growth of the trees in these schools, ensuring they receive adequate care and protection. The MP reiterated that while tree planting is a collective effort, it requires constant attention and involvement from all sectors of society students, parents, teachers, and local leaders. “We need to instill a culture of conservation in our communities,” he concluded. “Planting trees is just the beginning; nurturing them is where the real effort lies.”
The launch at Engavu Secondary School marked the start of a significant environmental drive in Kaiti, one that Kimilu hopes will inspire not just his constituency but the entire nation to take environmental conservation more seriously. With the backing of his community, he is optimistic that this initiative will help Kaiti lead by example in the fight against climate change.
Through his actions, Kimilu is setting a precedent for other leaders to follow, underscoring the importance of community involvement and sustainable practices in fostering a healthier and more resilient environment. As Kaiti continues to grow its tree cover, the message from MP Joshua Kimilu is clear: conservation starts at home, and it requires consistent effort and dedication from everyone involved.
