First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has urged Kenyans to actively participate in tree planting and environmental conservation activities.

Mama Rachel Ruto said protecting the environment will help combat the adverse effects of climate change.

This, she said, will ensure that the country gets enough rain to avert recurrent droughts and loss of livestock.

“I urged Kenyans to support the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees. Let us all to get involved and plant trees. We can help heal our planet and protect its vital ecosystems. Let’s use every day as an opportunity to show our love and respect for our environment,” she said.

The First Lady was speaking during a tree planting and market clean-up exercise held in Kitale town, Trans Nzoia County.

She also officially opened the Mama Forest Park in Kitale Township Forest, which will be a recreational park in Kitale town. Over 4,000 trees were planted at the 15 acre forest park.

In attendance were the wife of Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya, Lilian Natembeya, Endebess MP Robert Pukose, CAS Wesley Rotich (Youth) and Ann Mwangi (Office of the Deputy President) among other leaders.

The First Lady also appealed to market traders to adopt proper waste management practices and maintain hygiene standards.

“Let us ensure that our working environment is always clean,” she said.

Mr Pukose said the world was facing the worst environmental challenges that required urgent action to save the planet.

“These challenges can only be addressed by planting trees,” Mr Pukose said.

Ms Natembeya urged citizens to support tree planting efforts by leaders in the country to preserve the environment.

Mama Rachel Ruto also worshipped at the cathedral of Solid Rock Fellowship Church and later addressed youth and women groups.

She urged the youth to take advantage of the Hustler Fund to start businesses and become job creators.