Conservation of water catchments through tree planting is essential for maintaining water quality and quantity. First, tree planting prevents soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their root systems while retaining moisture and preventing sediment from getting into the dam reservoir. Secondly, tree growing plays an important role in groundwater recharge. Tree roots enhance permeability of the soil by allowing rainwater to seep to the ground.
It is on this premise that we have started the tree growing exercise at the Umaa Dam water catchment area in Kitui County. During the November short rains, we planted over 500 indigenous trees at the dam catchment in partnership with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), who donated the seedlings.
This will contribute to the National Tree Restoration campaign that targets to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
The exercise was led by Kitui Central DCC Dorcas Rono. Ms. Rono emphasized the role of trees in combating effects of climate change urging the community and all stakeholders to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant more trees and take care of them to ensure they grow.
The resident Engineer Kaluku said the Authority in partnership with KEFRI, the community and other stakeholders will plant more trees along the dam catchment area to ensure water feeding the dam is clean and the underground water is recharged.
Environment and Social Safeguards Manager Mr. George Macharia thanked KEFRI for the seedlings and all stakeholders who turned up for the noble exercise. He noted the vital role that trees play in preventing soil erosion hence reduced siltation in the dam. He added that trees help to reduce surface run-off by intercepting rainwater and slowing down its flow hence allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. In addition, trees help to create a humid weather that is conducive for water retention.
Also present were senior staff from the Authority, the Administration, KEFRI staff, the community led by its committee and the team from the contractor.
As an Authority mandated to undertake on behalf of the national government, the development of national public water works for water resources storage and flood control, we appreciate the role that trees play in protection of vital water resources and promotion of long-term environmental sustainability.
