Kenya Forest Service launches Misitu Golf Challenge

The KFS Director Mr. David Mbugua (c) addresses participants at the launch while the Secretary of the Kenya Golf Union Mr. Ted Macharia (r) and the CEO of Golf and Beyond Mrs. Jedida Kiarie listen keenly

The Director Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Mr. David Mbugua presided over the launch the second phase of  Misitu Golf Challenge at the Muthaiga Golf Club where he appreciated various sponsors and partners who supported the first of the tournament which was played across the country in 2010.

Mr. Mbugua said that the KFS was targeting to plant over 20 million seedlings this year through the tournament by urging people to take up tree planting. The director also emphasized on provisions of the new constitution which provides the establishment and maintenance of a 10% forest cover in order to deal with challenges of climate change and improve the lives of all Kenyans.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Golf and Beyond who are the organizers and managers of the tournament Ms Jedida Kiarie the main objective of Misitu Golf is to promote forestry through the game of golf by raising awareness on need to protect and conserve the forest. She added that corporate organizations were coming on board and partnering with KFS in the exercise.

Speaking at the event, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Secretary Mr. Ted Macharia appreciated efforts by KFS to reclaim and rehabilitate the country’s forests. He also thanked the Service for promoting golf in the country by sponsoring the tournament.

According to the Ambassador of Misitu Golf Challenge Mr. Patrick Obath, climate change was a reality and greening the country through adoption of environmentally sound practices including tree planting was the first step towards responding to it.

Story by Lilian Akoth & Picture by Emmah Nerima