The citizenry must be involved when making decisions that have an impact on their lives, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), David Kiprop, has told leaders in Rachuonyo South Sub-county. The DCC said the Constitution of 2010 requires that citizens be involved in any key decision made through public participation. ‘The Commissioner said any project carried out without public participation will not stand the test of time, saying it will cease to have the much-needed legitimacy that it should have,’ he said. He appealed to the leadership across the sub-county to partner, especially with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), so that together they are able to bring the people on board and involve them in key decisions. The Deputy County Commissioner was addressing residents of Rachuonyo Sub-county during the Mashujaa Day celebration, held at Nyatindo Primary School grounds in the Oyugis Division. On the tree planting and re-greening agenda in the country, the DCC said the government plans to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. He said the country can’t realise the number of trees planted without the support of the sub-counties playing their rightful role. The DCC urged the NGAO officials, principals of schools, and head teachers of primary schools to partner closely together so that the sub-county realises its agenda of meeting 10 per cent tree cover, which he said is currently 4 per cent. ‘Schools are key areas in which we can think of in terms of planting trees,’ he said. The Deputy County Commissioner said Rachuonyo South Sub-county is short of about 6 per cent of tree cover to be met. He called on stakeholders to work together to achieve the target. During the event, about 150 tree seedlings were planted in the school compound. ‘When we plant trees, we must also ensure we protect the trees so they grow to maturity,’ the DCC said, adding that all government functions must have tree-planting sessions.
Source: Kenya News Agency