HomaBay, 10th Oct 2026 -Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo today led a national tree-planting drive in Lambwe Forest, Homa Bay County, framing environmental restoration as a frontline defence against climate-induced disasters.
Speaking during Mazingira Day celebrations, Dr Omollo announced that 7.7 million trees have been planted across 77,000 villages, with 2.2 billion trees 14.7 percent of the 15 billion target already planted toward the 2032 goal.
“Environmental restoration is not just the work of the Ministry of Environment alone,” he said, hailing village elders, chiefs, and county governments for mobilising communities. “We have a noble opportunity and a noble calling to protect our forest.”
The PS drew a direct link between afforestation and flood mitigation, noting that Homa Bay is among counties expected to receive enhanced El Nino rains.
“The climate outlook for October-December warns of enhanced rainfall,” he said, adding that trees reduce runoff and stabilise soils.
Homa Bay has planted 25 million seedlings since 2022, yet forest cover stands at 3.18 percent against a 10.4 percent tree cover, prompting Dr Omollo to urge residents to meet the county’s annual target of 14.9 million seedlings.
“The community members, through forest associations, have a big responsibility to ensure trees grow to maturity,” he said.
On El Nino preparedness, Dr. Omollo said the county commissioner’s team in Homabay had made adequate preparations and appealed for public cooperation with government agencies to minimise damages.
With national exams approaching, he cautioned against flood-related risks.
“We don’t want students losing their lives crossing flooded roads,” he said, urging adjustments where necessary aided by relevant government agencies.
The Interior PS also highlighted national achievements, including 33 million Kenyans registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and over 6,000 kilometres of roads under construction, describing them as “unrivalled.”
He announced that preparations for the Mashujaa Day are almost at 100%, inviting Kenyans from all walks in Eldoret, co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Nandi counties.
Today’s exercise saw approximately 6,000 trees planted against a 10,000 target, with the onset of short rains offering a crucial window to accelerate reforestation.
