By Monica Nashon
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba says Kenya plans to tap into the international carbon credit market to generate revenue from tree planting and channel the proceeds towards supporting the education sector.
Speaking on Saturday during Mazingira Day celebrations at Nyangweta Forest in South Mugirango Constituency, Kisii County, Ogamba said the government was exploring ways to make tree growing an income-generating activity while advancing environmental conservation and the fight against climate change.
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“Planting trees will help us feature prominently in the carbon credits market and the money generated will be channelled to help education in the country,” he said.
Ogamba explained that trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon, helping to mitigate global warming.
Through carbon credit schemes, verified carbon savings or removals can potentially be sold to generate revenue, subject to applicable verification standards and market requirements.
During the celebrations, the CS led leaders, teachers, learners, forest officers and residents in planting 30,000 tree seedlings at Nyangweta Forest, a key water catchment area that has faced threats from encroachment and logging.
He urged schools to utilise available land for tree growing and encourage learners to participate actively in environmental conservation.
The initiative aligns with the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of efforts to increase the country’s tree cover and address climate change.
Ogamba emphasised that tree planting should not end with commemorative events, urging communities and institutions to protect the seedlings and ensure they survive to maturity.
Kisii County Forest Conservator William Ojijo was among the forest officials involved in the county’s environmental conservation activities.
If implemented, the proposed carbon credit initiative could provide an additional source of funding for education while encouraging schools, communities and other institutions to invest in tree growing and environmental protection.
