Nakuru County Governor, H.E Susan Kihika, took part in the National Tree Planting Day at Rhino Camp in Kabatini, Bahati Sub County. During the event, Governor Kihika highlighted the importance of effective water resource management in the county, emphasizing the need for clean water accessibility for all residents.
Governor Kihika expressed her commitment to the ambitious goal of planting 298 million trees in the next decade. She identified poor water resource management as a contributing factor to water scarcity in some areas and called for concerted efforts to address this issue. The governor announced a partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces to desilt dams, ultimately increasing water availability for the residents.
Addressing challenges, Governor Kihika acknowledged the existence of cartels hindering water piping projects but affirmed her determination to prioritize clean water provision to the people. She urged the residents of Kabatini to actively participate in tree planting initiatives, especially to safeguard vital water catchment areas.
Governor Kihika shared her focus on completing stalled water projects before initiating new ones, emphasizing prudent use of taxpayers’ money. The tree planting exercise, replicated across 11 sub-counties, saw the planting of 174,000 trees.
Key figures present at the event included Defense Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, Nakuru County Commissioner Layford Kibaara, CECMS Nelson Maara (Environment), Roselyne Mungai (Public Service), Chief of Staff Peter Ketienya, Nakuru County Police Commander Samwel Ndanyi, and COs Ken Mungai (Environment), Margaret Wanjiru (Water), and Newton Mwaura (Agriculture).
