President William Ruto on Monday gifted a group of primary school pupils in Makueni County Ksh5 million after they volunteered to care for trees planted in the area during the national tree planting exercise.
Addressing Makueni leaders after the tree planting exercise at Kiu Wetlands, President Ruto stated that one of the boys whom he met had promised to take care of the trees including one planted by the Head of State.
''I met young a boy named Mutinda and he told me he had planted two trees. I met his colleagues from Kiambani Primary School and they have promised me that as they take care of theirs, they will take care of mine too, I will donate Ksh 5 million to the school.'' the President remarked.
President Ruto remarked that the amount would be set aside to upgrade Kiambani Primary School.
Ruto emphasized that the children had demonstrated remarkable responsibility despite their young age.
The President believes this is a trait every Kenyan can emulate to help the country achieve its environmental conservation goals.
During his speech, the Head of State promised to gazette ten wetlands quantified as 10,000 acres.
Ruto stated that he had already directed Environment CS Soipan Tuya to finalize the process.
''The CS is here, I have already contacted her, PS Nickson is here and the work should start tomorrow with the County Government of Makueni,' the President stated.
Ruto further promised that the national government was working on compensating the families that would be affected by the government's move to gazette areas designated as wetlands.
The President added another option the government is looking at is relocating the families to other areas.
''Those 83 families am told that is on the land will receive an alternative land or will be paid to buy land elsewhere,'' Ruto remarked.
''Consequently, I directed the PS and County government to ensure the land was fenced off to avoid future encroachments,'' he added.
