Government to Buy Tree Seedlings from Community Groups

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah Barasa, has announced a bold initiative aimed at empowering grassroots communities through the production and sale of tree seedlings to the government. This comes as part of the ambitious 15 billion trees initiative.

Women, Youth and CBOs to Benefit

Speaking at Busibwabo Secondary School during the 2nd anniversary of the Western Women Congress, Barasa encouraged women groups, youth associations, and community-based organisations (CBOs) to register and get licensed to produce tree seedlings. These will then be purchased by the government for reforestation efforts across the country.

“We don’t need to move seedlings from Nairobi to every corner of the country. Communities will now produce quality seedlings and earn income from them,” said CS Barasa.

She delivered 40,000 fruit tree seedlings in Busia and emphasized that the initiative is not only about environmental sustainability but also economic empowerment.

Fruit Trees to Boost Nutrition and Income

Barasa highlighted the dual benefit of planting fruit trees: improving nutrition and offering a source of income. She urged mothers and young people to embrace this opportunity to create a more sustainable livelihood.

Call for Unity in the Western Region

CS Barasa appealed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to lead efforts in uniting Western Kenya leaders, saying that unity is key to regional prosperity.

Wetangula responded by stressing the importance of women empowerment, noting that when a woman is empowered, the entire family benefits. He urged closer collaboration between women congresses and national leaders to tap into government programs.

“Let’s support our government to deliver. Last year we had 65 million bags of maize; this year we expect 85 million thanks to subsidized fertilizer,” said Wetangula.

Major Highway Upgrade Coming

In a major infrastructure announcement, Wetangula revealed that the Kisumu-Busia Highway is set for expansion. Engineers are expected to assess the project soon to improve road safety and ease cross-border trade with Uganda.

Women Leaders Push for Economic Inclusion

Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda and Busia Woman MP Catherine Omanyo emphasized the need for more women in leadership and business. Muhanda reminded women to take advantage of the 30% procurement opportunities set aside for them in both national and county governments.

Omanyo praised the women’s caucus for nurturing young girls into future leaders and providing them with tools to access economic and leadership opportunities.

This grassroots-based tree seedling program is a win-win for Kenya: boosting the environment while empowering communities economically. With the right support and awareness, it promises to be a cornerstone for national sustainability and regional development.