Happy National Tree Planting Day, Kenya

In the heart of Kenya, where the whispers of acacia trees once harmonized with the rustle of grass, I found myself amidst the consequences of rampant deforestation. The landscape bore the scars of human activity, a stark reminder of what happens when nature's guardians are felled without mercy.

As I traversed the arid plains, I couldn't escape the harsh reality—deforestation had triggered a merciless dance of drought and famine. It was as if the land itself cried out for the return of its green guardians. In the words of Wangari Maathai, a voice echoed in my mind: "When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and the seeds of hope."

Wangari Maathai, an environmental activist and Nobel laureate, understood the vital role trees play in sustaining life. Her wisdom resonated with the desperate cries of communities grappling with water scarcity and crop failures. In her words, "A tree has roots in the soil yet reaches to the sky. It tells us that in order to aspire, we need to be grounded and that no matter how high we go, it is from our roots that we draw sustenance."

In the face of adversity, Maathai's words inspired action. The call to plant trees became a rallying cry for individuals to become stewards of the land. Each of us was urged to take responsibility for our environment, to heal the wounds inflicted upon the earth. The remedy was simple but profound—plant at least two trees every week in our homesteads.

However, there was a crucial caveat: refrain from planting on farmlands. Maathai cautioned against blocking direct sunlight from germinating seeds and disrupting the delicate balance of photosynthesis. The solution lay in agroforestry, a harmonious marriage of agriculture and forestry. It was a call to nurture the land while securing our own sustenance.

As I stood amidst the barren fields, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The call to action was not merely a suggestion; it was a mandate for survival. In the echoes of Wangari Maathai's wisdom, I heard the plea of the earth itself: "Plant the trees, for they are the guardians of life. Plant them with love, and watch as they weave a tapestry of resilience for generations to come."

The urgency was palpable. It was a call to action that transcended borders and affiliations. Planting trees became a shared responsibility, a commitment to heal the wounds inflicted upon the land. In the simplicity of the act, we found our power to mend what had been broken.

As the first saplings took root in the once-barren soil, a subtle transformation began. The air seemed to shimmer with newfound life, and the promise of a greener, more sustainable future took hold. In the footsteps of Wangari Maathai, we became stewards of the land, guardians of the delicate balance that sustains us all.

I hail from Vihiga County Kenya, which covers 39% of the total area covered by the Kenyan Forest. We are a green county, and I believe the future of Kenya is Green as well. This can only be enhanced through sustainable Agriculture that includes agroforestry and mixed farming where necessary. My father's homestead has around 100 trees.

Let's strive to a greener ecosystem with a brighter world 🌎🌍. Let's save mother earth because if we don't we are going to die before she dies.