By Robert Mutasi 
Environmental agencies and other stakeholders in Uasin Gishu County have intensified tree planting, ecosystem restoration and city beautification activities ahead of the county’s Mazingira Day celebrations on Saturday.
The activities are being coordinated by the office of the County Commissioner, the County Forest Conservator, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Uasin Gishu County Government and other partners.
The programme started on October 6 with tree planting exercises at Hill School in Eldoret and several other selected schools across the county.
On Wednesday, October 7, the team shifted its focus to degraded areas, leading a restoration exercise at Sirikwa Quarry Site in Maili Nne.
Stakeholders planted bamboo at the quarry as part of efforts to rehabilitate the damaged ecosystem and improve the area’s environmental condition.
Officials involved in the exercise said restoring degraded ecosystems would help improve biodiversity, strengthen natural ecosystems and create conditions for sustainable livelihoods.
They identified bamboo as an effective restoration plant because of its rapid growth and strong root system. The roots help hold soil together, reduce erosion and improve the stability of degraded land, while the plants also contribute to climate change mitigation.
The Mazingira Day planning committee is chaired by Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe. Other members include County Forest Conservator Ken Muskiton, NEMA County Director Solomon Kihiu, county government officials and representatives of other participating organisations.
The committee has scheduled more activities ahead of Saturday’s main celebrations.
On Thursday, October 8, stakeholders are expected to concentrate on greening highways and beautifying Eldoret City. The exercise will seek to improve the appearance of major roads while increasing tree cover within the city’s public spaces.
A major city-wide clean-up exercise is scheduled for Friday, October 9. Government agencies, colleges, communities and other stakeholders are expected to take part.
The county will then host the main Mazingira Day celebrations on Saturday, October 10, at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret.
The event is expected to bring together about 7,000 participants for a large-scale tree-growing exercise targeting 200,000 trees.
Organisers said the initiative will contribute to the national tree-growing campaign while strengthening environmental conservation efforts in Uasin Gishu.
The activities have also placed greater emphasis on restoring degraded sites rather than limiting conservation efforts to tree planting, with stakeholders linking ecosystem rehabilitation to soil conservation, biodiversity protection and the livelihoods of communities.
With Eldoret continuing to expand, officials said environmental restoration and improved urban management would remain important in maintaining a healthier and more sustainable county.