LBDA to Distribute 20,000 Fruit Tree Seedlings in Lake Basin Ahead of Mazingira Day

Kisumu, Kenya – The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) will distribute over 20,000 fruit tree seedlings to residents across the Lake Basin region in advance of Mazingira Day, which is celebrated on October 10. This initiative supports President William Ruto's national tree-growing program and encourages local participation in environmental conservation efforts.

Dr Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary for the East African Community and Acting Principal Secretary for Arid, Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, revealed that the seedlings will be distributed through county commissioners' offices. She explained that fruit trees were chosen for distribution due to their direct nutritional and economic benefits for households.

Karugu emphasized that the authority prioritized fruit seedlings because they are easier to care for and offer immediate advantages, such as food and income generation. The distribution aims to boost community involvement in tree planting, enhance food security, and contribute to Kenya's goal of increasing tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.

The initiative aligns with the government's broader campaign to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032, focusing on the survival and long-term care of trees to achieve the national target. LBDA's action seeks to transform tree planting from a mere activity to a community-driven effort, with residents expected to plant, nurture, and benefit from the fruit trees they receive.

This distribution is particularly significant as it precedes Mazingira Day, a day dedicated to environmental conservation and public participation in initiatives like tree planting. By encouraging households to grow fruit trees, the program not only contributes to environmental restoration but also provides tangible benefits, including food and income opportunities.