Kakamega: Farmers in Kakamega County have been urged to remove eucalyptus trees along river banks and replace them with indigenous ones. Kakamega County Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Saisi Aura, stated that eucalyptus trees planted on water catchment areas have contributed to the drying of rivers and springs.

According to Kenya News Agency, Saisi Aura, speaking during a public baraza in Kabras East, convened by the Western regional commissioner Irungu Macharia, informed local farmers about the opportunity to earn carbon credits by planting indigenous trees. These trees absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby enhancing sustainable livelihoods.

A carbon credit is a tradable certificate that signifies the reduction or removal of one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Scientific research indicates that, unlike blue gum trees, indigenous trees are beneficial for carbon credits because they efficiently absorb and store carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Saisi highlighted that Kakamega County is facing environmental challenges that require attention through the planting of appropriate tree species. Western regional commissioner Irungu Macharia instructed chiefs to ensure the directive is followed, leading residents in planting trees on the first Friday of each month, which forms part of their performance appraisal targets.

The government, over the past two years, has initiated a greening programme that includes planting assorted fruit and indigenous trees in public spaces. This initiative aims to align with President William Ruto's programme to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, addressing global climate change challenges.