By Michael Opiyo
Tourism Finance Corporation (TFC) in conjunction with Ministry of Tourism and Kajiado Government’s department of environment, are set to plant 10,000 various tree seedlings on 400 acres in a bid to rehabilitate forests in Loitokitok.
The TFC managing director, Mr Jonah Orumoi said: “This year, end of November and December, Tourism Finance Corporation in conjunction with Ministry of Tourism and county government will plant tree rehabilitate Loitokitok Forest.”
“It’s the season when the region experiences rainfall and we will utilize the opportunity by planting trees with local community. Kenya Forest Service can’t make it alone, they need support to curb deforestation,” he said.
“Loitokitok Forest is part of Amboseli ecosystem and is close to Mount Kilimanjaro that affects region’s ecosystem. My office will plant trees on the 400 acres set aside to plant various species of trees,” he added.
Speaking to County Press Orumoi said even though, Maasai Community are mainly pastoralists who move from place to place in search of pastures for their herds, they need to plant trees to conserve the environment.
“Let’s not think of planting just trees, we can plant fruit tree like mango, orange and others that add value and are a source of income,” he added
The forest besides serving as a tourist attraction site can assist the local community who can obtain herbs from it,” he said.
“Last year we managed to plant over 3,000 trees seedlings and gave out 1,000 tree seedlings to locals to plant in their homesteads including learning institutions around the Loitokitok forest,” noted Orumoi.
Josphine Parsaloi, one of the women who supported the initiative said locals are ready to participate in rehabilitation of Loitokitok forest.
“As women of Maasai Community, we have realized the importance of trees and environmental conservation. We will sensitise the community to plant trees in learning institutions, churches and public areas to make Kajiado County green.”
Emmanuel Maiyani, Chairperson of the Community Forest Association (CFA) acknowledged the initiative of TFC to plant trees.