Machakos County has planted close to 2.5 million trees in bid to achieve the government's agenda of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich has said.Speaking during the International Forest Day celebrations at Vota Primary School Rotich said Machakos has made significant strides in tree planting and hailed the county's efforts in environmental and forest conservation.The DCC called on residents to take tree planting as a personal responsibility and actively participate in environmental and preservation efforts.The administrator also called on students to be in the forefront in planting trees and protecting the environment.Milka Mutua, the Machakos County Conservator emphasized the vital role trees play in sustaining ecological balance.Mutua sent a stern warning to those cutting down trees that they will be arrested and will face the law accordingly.Machakos Chief Officer for Environment and Natural Resources Andrew Muema speaking at the same event reiterated the importance of World Forest Day in raising awareness about the significance of trees and forests in preserving the ecosystem.'It is imperative to know that our lives are made possible on earth and is related to the existence of forests from the water we drink, medicinal purposes, food, oxygen and shade we enjoy all have an association with forests,' said Muema.He also called for collaborative efforts between the county and national governments to achieve the target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.International Day of Forests is marked every year on 21 March to raise awareness on importance of forests and the theme for 2024 was Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.Source: Kenya News Agency