KMTC CEO JOINS CABINET SECRETARY IN WEST POKOT FOR NATIONAL TREE-GROWING INITIATIVE
As part of Kenya’s ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees and achieve 32% forest cover by 2032, KMTC CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, led a team in a large-scale tree-growing exercise at Lomuge, West Pokot County on March 27, 2025. The exercise, spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Debra Mulongo, saw the planting of 10,000 trees, reinforcing national efforts to combat climate change and restore degraded ecosystems.
The event brought together key leaders, including officials from Government ministries, Nursing Council of Kenya CEO Dr. Lister Onsongo, representatives from the County Government of West Pokot, and other stakeholders committed to sustainable environmental conservation.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mulongo highlighted the impact of climate change, citing erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts affecting West Pokot and many other regions. She called on local communities, particularly the youth, to take an active role in tree-growing initiatives and embrace agroforestry as a long-term strategy for environmental sustainability.
Dr. Kelly Oluoch reaffirmed KMTC’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s reforestation agenda, stating that beyond tree planting, the College integrates sustainability into its healthcare training programmes, linking environmental conservation to public health. Meanwhile, KMTC staff, students, and principals conducted simultaneous tree-growing exercises across campuses nationwide, further reinforcing the institution’s dedication to climate action.
The initiative also marked the first official engagement of the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Health. Dr. Barasa expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for her appointment and pledged to champion the government’s environmental conservation agenda.
“Tree planting is not just an event, it is a bold declaration of hope and a commitment to securing a sustainable future for generations to come,” Dr. Barasa said. She urged communities to move beyond planting trees to nurturing them, ensuring long-term forest restoration.
The CS called on youth and local communities to champion agroforestry and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts to restore and sustain green spaces in the region. She also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of local environmental champions and groups working to restore ecosystems, affirming the Ministry’s support for grassroots-led climate action.
