Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has defended Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) who spent million on travels with choppers across the country during tree planting day.
Mwaura stated that the November 13, holiday was a very important day adding that it was vital that the politicians to lead from the front hence the necessity to go to different counties.
At the same time, the government spokesperson stated that the whole initiative was funded by well-wishers adding that it was not just a government affair.
“Leadership is singular. You got to be there because people follow what the leaders are doing. The benefits of achieving this target of 15 billion outweigh the expenditure. We must spend money on it, it is not a luxury.
“Even when you look at this whole initiative, it is funded by other well-wishers and corporations. It is not just a Kenya government endeavor,” he stated.
Also Read: Make Tree Planting in Kenya a Regular Affair and Not a One Day Event
Isaac Mwaura on Kenyans Benefitting from the Initiative
At the same time, Mwaura stated that Kenyans also benefitted from the county-to-county trips adding that those who were facilitating those initiatives were Kenyans.
He stated that because those Kenyans benefited from the jobs, it spurred national growth.
“I have seen people asking why we have Cabinet Secretaries and senior government officials hopping from one county to another.
“When we also talk about individuals who ensure that our leader succeed in leading from the front, they are also Kenyans. They are also drivers, pilots, engineers and they also benefit which helps in spurring the economic activity of the day,” he added.
Government Gives Direction on Tree Planting App
On the other hand, the government spokesperson stated that the tree planting day was successful noting that the ministry of agriculture intends to continue with the initiative.
Mwaura also asked Kenyans to download the ‘Jaza Miti App’ on google Play Store to update the number of plants they planted.
“We recorded the number of trees grown and can be accessed through the Jaza Miti app that is available on play store, to enable the ministry of environment to track and plan ahead and ensure timely reporting of all trees grown.
Also Read: Mass Tree Planting: How to Do it Right
“All state departments and agencies are encouraged to take this as an initiative under the clarion call ‘Kupanda Miti ni Wajibu Wetu’,” he added.
High Cost of Living
Mwaura admitted that Kenyans were grappling with the high cost of living adding that the government was putting measures in place to address it.
However, he stated that Kenyans knew what they were getting into when they voted in the government adding that the country was already dealing with debt.
“When this administration came into power, we knew what we were getting ourselves into. As far back as 2014 I was on record saying whoever will be president in 2022 will have no country to run.
“That’s why the president is moving from one country to another looking for financing. I really want to call upon Kenyans ‘tuvumilie’. In the next two years or so for sure, we’ll start seeing changes,” he stated.
