By Peter Ochieng
Kisumu governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has ordered the Kisumu City management, led by City Manager Michael Abala Wanga to take stern measures against those allowing their livestock to ‘roam’ the streets of Kisumu.
Nyong’o said the livestock which include cows and goats, end up eating or even uprooting tree seedlings planted in various parts of the Lakeside City.
“My order for severe action to be taken against owners of animals spoiling our trees is because we cannot continue using resources to buy tree seedlings, plant them, only to be destroyed by roaming animals,” said the governor.
He lamented that tree seedlings along the airport corridor have been the most affected.
In a speech read on his behalf by Judith Aluoch, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development during a tree planting event at Moi Stadium on Tuesday, Nyong’o said he signed an executive order number 1 of 2023, on November 16th, 2023 setting aside the 10th of every month as a Kisumu city tree planting day for all residents within the city.
“It is important to note that cities and urban centres are the next dwelling focus areas with populations expected to hit 60 percent by 2050, and we must be prepared for environmental pressure that will come with this massive rural – urban migration,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga has directed private waste collectors to cease dumping waste at Kachok area, next to Moi stadium. Wanga said those who fail to heed to his warning will be dealt with accordingly.
“Private waste collectors and those clogging drainages will now face the full force of the law in line with the city by-laws,” he warned.
“This place represents our collective commitment to turning challenges into opportunities, to reclaiming spaces tainted by neglect and transforming them into thriving ecosystems.”
The tree planting exercise was conducted in collaboration with various partners, among them Avenue Healthcare.
CEO Imran Osman said that his organization has embarked on a multi-progress approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative.
“We have also partnered with local communities to plant trees, raise awareness about sustainable practices besides organizing clean-up drives,” he noted.
He said that they were actively working in integrating renewable energy sources like solar power in all their facilities.