Njogu Urges Kenyan Diaspora to Support Forest Conservation in Meru
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has urged Kenyans living abroad to support environmental conservation and community initiatives in Meru County.
Njogu made the call during an Annual Prayer and Thanksgiving Ceremony marking 20 years of community forest conservation. The event was organised by the Kenya Forest Service and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and brought together conservationists, local leaders and government officials.
As patron of the diaspora forests initiative, Njogu praised the CFAs for their efforts to protect forests. She also called for the inclusion of fruit trees such as avocado in restoration programmes, saying they could improve nutrition and create economic opportunities through value addition.
Njogu said Kenyans abroad could help Kenya achieve its target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 by investing in conservation projects and supporting community-based initiatives. She said such involvement could contribute to environmental protection while improving local livelihoods.
The event was attended by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Chief Conservator of Forests Lempaa Koko and Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, among other officials. Njogu's engagements in Meru also included a visit to Ripples International in Kithoka, where she joined the child-focused organisation in marking its 25th anniversary. The Silver Jubilee brought together stakeholders to reflect on the organisation's work to protect and empower vulnerable children.
Njogu toured Ripples International's programmes, which include care services and advocacy initiatives, and commended the organisation for its work in protecting children's rights. Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang'ombe also attended the celebrations.
The engagements form part of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs' efforts to involve Kenyans abroad in areas beyond remittances, including environmental conservation, child protection and community development.