Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo at Lambwe Forest during the 2026 Mazingira Day celebrations, October 10, 2026/FAITH MATETEInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged Homa Bay residents to step up tree planting and protect existing forests, warning that seedlings must be nurtured to maturity to increase the county’s forest cover.
Speaking at Lambwe Forest during the 2026 Mazingira Day celebrations, Omollo said communities had a critical role in preventing forest degradation and encroachment as the country pursues its target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
He said Homa Bay had planted approximately 25 million seedlings since 2022, but its forest cover remained at 3.18 per cent, while tree cover stood at 10.4 per cent.
The figures, he said, underscored the need for sustained efforts to expand tree cover and restore degraded landscapes.
“Community members have a big responsibility as the single most important stakeholders in ensuring that as we plant trees, we make sure those trees actually grow to maturity,” Omollo said.
He called on residents to take ownership of environmental conservation by planting trees and protecting existing forests.
Omollo urged households to plant fruit trees in their homesteads and encouraged the planting of indigenous trees in public spaces, including schools, churches and forests.
He said environmental conservation should not be limited to annual celebrations but should become a continuous responsibility shared by government agencies, communities and other stakeholders.
The national government is targeting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of a broader strategy to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes and achieve at least 30 per cent national tree cover.
As of October 5, approximately 2.2 billion trees had been planted towards the national target, representing 14.7 per cent of the goal, according to figures cited by Omollo.
The PS said the Ministry of Environment and the Kenya Forest Service were providing technical support, while national government administrative officers were mobilising communities through chiefs, village elders and other local leaders.
County governments were also supporting the campaign through tree planting and environmental clean-up exercises.
Omollo said nearly 6,000 trees had been planted at Lambwe Forest by the time he addressed participants, against a target of 10,000 trees for the day.
He urged residents to take advantage of the short rains to plant more trees, noting that favourable weather conditions offered an opportunity to improve seedling survival rates.
This year's Mazingira Day celebrations are being held under the theme, “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”
Activities leading up to the celebrations included tree planting in schools and other learning institutions, the restoration of former mining sites, highway greening, drainage clearing and nationwide clean-up exercises.
PS warns of heavy rains
Omollo also urged Homa Bay residents to prepare for possible heavy rainfall during the October-to-December season, warning that flooding could disrupt transport and endanger lives.
He said the rainfall outlook indicated enhanced precipitation in the Lake Victoria Basin, urging residents to work closely with government agencies and local administrators to minimise damage and prevent loss of life.
The PS particularly cautioned parents, teachers and examination officials to prioritise the safety of candidates preparing for national examinations.
He said flooded rivers and impassable roads could prevent some learners from reaching their examination centres, urging authorities to make appropriate arrangements if weather conditions disrupted access.
Omollo wished the candidates success, saying he was confident in the work teachers had done and the efforts learners had put into their preparations.
He also invited Kenyans to attend the Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for October 20 in Eldoret, which will be co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties.
