The Uasin Gishu Mazingira Day planning committee has intensified environmental restoration activities ahead of the main celebrations scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS), Eldoret.

The committee, led by the office of the County Commissioner, County Forest Conservator (CFC), NEMA, the County Government and other stakeholders, is undertaking tree planting, ecosystem restoration and beautification activities across the county.

The activities began on October 6 with tree planting at Hill School, Eldoret, and other selected schools.

On Wednesday, the team moved beyond schools and spearheaded the restoration of Sirikwa Quarry Site in the Maili Nne area, where stakeholders planted bamboo as part of efforts to restore the degraded ecosystem.

The stakeholders emphasised the importance of restoring damaged ecosystems to improve their natural health and functions, enhance biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods.

They said bamboo was suitable for land restoration because it grows rapidly and develops a strong root network, helping control soil erosion while contributing to climate change mitigation.

The planning committee is chaired by Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe and includes County Forest Conservator Ken Muskiton, NEMA County Director Solomon Kihiu, County Government officials and other partners.

The committee has lined up several activities for the remainder of Mazingira Week. On October 8, stakeholders will focus on greening highways and beautifying Eldoret City.

On October 9, the city will host a major clean-up exercise involving government agencies, colleges, communities and other stakeholders.

The main Mazingira Day celebrations will take place on October 10 at DFRTS, where the county will host a major tree-growing event targeting 200,000 trees and approximately 7,000 participants.

The event will contribute to the national tree-growing challenge and is expected to bring together stakeholders committed to environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration.

by Ekuwam Sylvester