Forests play a vital role in maintaining the health of our planet. They serve as the ‘lungs’ of Earth, sequestering carbon and other greenhouse gases to provide oxygen.
They recharge watersheds and help regulate the hydrological systems that govern our climate. They are rich in biodiversity, home to more species than any other terrestrial biome.
However Human beings need forests too. Millions of people live in and depend on them for almost everything, from food to medicine to shelter. Forests also absorb the carbon dioxide we emit from cars, planes and power plants, making them critical in the global fight against climate change.
Yet every single minute an area of forest the size of fifty soccer fields is cut down.
Some of the reasons why trees are cut down is because of the global demand for products like wood, Charcoal, among others.
The Government of Kenya seem to be working hard to change the forest economy so that trees are kept standing - to promote development without destruction rather than destruction without development.
Kephas Marube, a Murang'a North Assistant County Commissioner has told KK online News that as a way of mitigating and solving the issue of deforestation the prices for gas cylinders starting September this year, will be slashed by 50%
This means a gas cylinder worth Sh 4000 will be selling at Sh 2000.
"Murang'a residents who depend on firewood and charcoal will afford Meko gas at a subsidized cost," Marube said.
He disclosed that the project will be driven by self help groups who will be incharge of distribution and refilling of gas cylinders.
"We will be rolling out deports in all our Sub Counties where our people will be refilling the gases," Marube said adding that the project will not only create jobs but will also improve the living standards of the Murang'a inhabitants.
He said that Murang'a County has been earmarked among the first 18 Counties that will benefit from the National Government in conjunction with National Oil Cooperation.
In an exclusive interview with KK online News,Marube announced that the project will be launched soon.
PHOTO: Muranga County Assistant Commissioner Kepha Marube.
