PS Aurelia Rono Hails Ruto’s 15-Billion Tree Drive as a Game-Changer

Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Aurelia Rono has lauded President William Ruto’s ambitious 15-billion tree-planting initiative, saying it is already restoring Kenya’s fragile ecosystems and reviving once-drying rivers.

Speaking in Chemaner, Bomet County, during a tree-planting exercise to mark Mazingira (Environment) Day, Dr. Rono said the national tree restoration campaign has begun to show tangible results on the ground.

“To speak the truth, the push by the President is already bearing fruits. Some rivers which were dying are roaring back to life. The environment is back on its feet because of the growing population of trees,” she said.

The PS, accompanied by Chemaner MCA Richard Ruto and other government officials from Bomet East, led residents in planting over 7,000 tree seedlings.

She urged locals to take full advantage of the government’s drive, emphasizing that it was not only an environmental mission but also an economic opportunity.

Dr. Rono revealed that the government was distributing fruit tree seedlings, including avocados, as part of the initiative to hit 15 billion trees by 2032.

She said fruit trees would provide communities with a steady source of income while promoting environmental conservation.

“Why should we be left out? Fruit trees will put money in our pockets. There is no reason why we should not embrace them,” she said.

The exercise also doubled as a community empowerment event, where residents were issued avocado seedlings to plant in their homes.

Dr. Rono said the move was deliberate — to help locals diversify their sources of income and cushion themselves against fluctuating prices of traditional farm produce.

Turning her focus to conservation, Dr. Rono called on residents to protect the Mau Forest Complex, describing it as the lifeline of many rivers across the country.

“There is no reason why we should not protect Mau Forest. So many rivers that we all depend on start here, and as neighbours, we should guard it with our lives,” she urged.

Chemaner MCA Richard Ruto echoed her sentiments, encouraging residents to take tree planting seriously, noting that the country could greatly benefit from carbon credits if everyone participated in the greening efforts.

As the seedlings took root in the soil, the event symbolized more than just environmental restoration — it marked a new chapter of hope, resilience, and sustainable livelihood for the people of Bomet.