Machakos county forestry officials have urged the residents to plant trees in the ongoing rains. Forest Coordinator Jennifer Situma has called on the area residents to take advantage of the rains and plant trees in plenty.

She said there is enough moisture buildup in the soil which can enable trees to grow and thus urged residents to plant early enough so that the trees can grow to level that harsh weather conditions cannot affect them.

"As we all know trees are important in provision of goods and services such as timber and soil conservation as well as mitigating of climate change which necessitates the need for tree planting," she added.

Speaking yesterday, Mrs Situma said tree seedlings can be obtained from Iveti, Masii, Miondoni, Athi River, Yatta and Kangundo tree nurseries which are spread across the county adding that plenty of seedlings are available in private nurseries and other institutions like Tarda.

"This years' tree planting theme is towards 10 per cent tree cover and it is up to every individual to ensure that tree cover is increased from 5.9 per cent national average towards the internationally recommended 10 per cent", she said. Situma urged residents to seek help from her office on the right trees to plant.