A silent revolution is perceptible in Gilgil and its environs, including in estates and major roads, as the town goes green.
The one time dusty town is a sight to behold, as trees spring up in every corner. At the nearby Teachers Primary School, the environmental revolution has taken shape.
Pupils who had endured heavy dust for years now shelter under trees, either meditating or studying for the next lesson.
The lush man-made forest at the institution comprises different species of trees, including medicinal Warbugia ugandensis, African Olive and pine.
According to researchers, Warburgia ugandensis, which is also known as Ugandan greenheart, is harvested from the wild for local use as medicine, food flavour, insecticide and for wood. It is sometimes grown for ornamental purposes.
“It is also used to treat dental problems,” says Joseph Mwangi, the leader of Globe Gone Green, an organisation that is spearheading the efforts.
He started Globe Gone Green out of passion for the environment and in response to the global outcry of deteriorating environmental conditions and the climate change menace.
“When we set up a nursery at a school, the administrator is at liberty to sell the seedlings to the community and give support to their programmes,” says Mwangi, adding each pupil is allocated a tree to take care of.
Mwangi, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate, says he joined hands with 10 of his friends to raise money to buy seedlings to start the organisation.
“We eventually started approaching corporates for sponsorship and that is what we have been relying on to sustain our activities.”
They get support from the County Government of Nakuru, International Tree Foundation, Rotary Club of Nakuru, Gilgil, Seed Savers Network in Elementaita and they have a joint nursery with Kenya Defence Forces, and community members.
Some of the trees they are propagating are Gravellia robusta (mukima), cypress, African Olive, Prunus. BY DAILY NATION