State department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS, Stephen Isaboke has called on schools in Kisii County to take a leading role in tree growing and environmental conservation.

Isaboke spoke on Friday during a tree-planting exercise at Chirichiro Primary and Junior School in Nyaribari Chache, where more than 2,000 seedlings were planted ahead of Mazingira Day celebrations.

“Planting a tree is an act of patriotism. When you plant a tree in your school, you are securing the future of Kenya and showing love for your country,” he said.

The PS urged pupils to plant and care for fruit trees, noting that the trees could improve nutrition while helping to create greener school compounds.

He said schools and churches should strengthen their participation in the fight against climate change and encouraged leaders to return to their former primary schools to plant trees under the “Turudi Primo Tukapande” campaign.

The exercise was attended by Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Gladys Nyongesa, Ibeno Ward MCA Steve Arika and County Forest Conservator William Ojijo.

Arika and local elders pointed to the potential of tree growing to reduce soil erosion and boost fruit production in the area.

Nyongesa’s presence brought the national government administration into the community conservation exercise, while Ojijo represented the county’s forest conservation leadership.

The activity was organised under the theme “Panda Miti, Boresha Maisha” and supported the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

Isaboke said grassroots activities, including the monthly Chief Climate Action initiatives in Kisii Central, were helping translate the national environmental agenda into action at community level.

The exercise demonstrated the role schools and local communities can play in protecting the environment and supporting the country’s tree-growing campaign.