County boss urges residents to protect trees

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin speaks to a reporter during an interview in his office in Kapenguria on July 26, 2015. He wants residents to conserve trees. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kachapin said the county is sensitizing people about the benefits of natural resources.

Residents of West Pokot County have been warned against wanton destruction of trees, which might lead to desertification.

Governor Simon Kachapin urged the public to conserve trees by abandoning charcoal burning, which is rife in the county, and engage in other businesses.

During a tree-planting exercise in Kapenguria on Wednesday, Governor Kachapin said the county is sensitising people about the benefits of natural resources.

He said that for every tree cut, two should be planted.

This, he said, will safeguard water catchment areas from drying.

Further, Mr Kachapin said the county is supporting youth groups to foster the spirit of conserving trees.

So far, he said, the groups have 59,000 seedlings that will be sold at subsidised rates to farmers to plat in their farms.