By WMW
Nyeri County has launched a tree planting initiative at major dumpsites in an effort to reduce environmental pollution and restore degraded ecosystems through natural solutions.
The exercise, spearheaded by the county’s Department of Public Service and Solid Waste Management, was carried out at Gikeu dumpsite in Othaya and Konyu dumpsite in Mathira.
County Executive Committee Member for Public Service and Solid Waste Management Peter Macharia led the exercise alongside Chief Officer for Public Service Joseph Kanyi, Chief Officer for Solid Waste Management George Mwangi Box, Director of Solid Waste Management Violet Koigi and representatives from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).
Officials said a total of 1,000 phytoremediation trees were planted across the two dumpsites as part of efforts to address the effects of waste decomposition on surrounding communities and the environment.
The specialised trees are expected to absorb toxins released from decomposing waste, helping improve air and soil quality around the disposal sites. County officials noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote sustainable waste management and environmental conservation.
The exercise also involved staff working at the two dumpsites, with county leaders encouraging residents to support tree planting efforts as part of collective environmental stewardship.
County officials said restoring green cover remains critical in combating climate change, reducing pollution and protecting public health, especially in areas surrounding waste disposal sites.
Nyeri County has in recent years intensified environmental conservation campaigns, including afforestation programmes and improved waste management systems, amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and the shrinking forest cover in parts of the region.
The county government said it plans to expand similar green initiatives to other dumpsites and public spaces as part of its long-term sustainability agenda.
Officials further challenged residents to embrace tree planting and environmental conservation, saying restoring lost green spaces requires collective responsibility and sustained action from both government and the public.
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