Environmental conservation efforts have taken root along the busy Thika Superhighway, where a group of environmentalists and students led by Anthony Muruthi, a lecturer at the Nairobi National Polytechnic, launched a tree planting initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
The team cited the alarming levels of pollution from thousands of vehicles that use the superhighway daily, emitting harmful gases through fossil fuel combustion. Muruthi emphasized the need to mitigate these effects by increasing greenery along major roads, which would not only absorb carbon dioxide but also offer shade and aesthetic value to the highway.
“This initiative is crucial for cleaning the air and creating a more livable environment. Trees are natural air purifiers and can significantly reduce the carbon footprint caused by traffic,” said Muruthi during the exercise.
He also appealed to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to support the project by allowing the establishment of simple washroom facilities for motorists and pedestrians, which would improve the convenience and hygiene for travelers making stopovers.
Highlighting the importance of urban greening, Muruthi called on local authorities and city planners to integrate tree planting into urban infrastructure, particularly in towns and cities such as Nairobi. “We need fresh air in our urban areas. Trees should be part of every street,” he added.
Muruthi further encouraged the youth to get involved in environmental conservation activities, suggesting that such engagements can provide meaningful green job opportunities and help steer them away from social vices like drug abuse and alcoholism.
The exercise saw enthusiastic participation from young environmentalists, including Sheringham Orodo and Humphrey Karani, who pledged to continue planting trees in support of President William Ruto’s ambitious agenda to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. They urged the government to offer more support and resources to youth-led conservation programs.
These young environmentalists are part of the President’s Award Program, which engages youth in community service and leadership development across various counties in Kenya. Through their efforts, they aim to build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.
