Uasin Gishu:Journalists mark freedom day by growing over 3,000 trees!

3rd May being World Press Freedom Day, Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UJA) in collaboration with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the County government of Uasin Gishu marked the day by planting/growing tree seedlings while championing the rights and freedom of the press.

The event which saw over 3,000 tree seedlings planted in Muyingwet dispensary, Moiben Sub County was in line with the president’s plea to plant more trees to avert the effects of climate change witnessed globally.

“This years World press freedom day is about shaping a future of rights ,however we cannot have a future if we do not take care of the environment to mitigate on climate change ,hence the reason for the planting/growing of trees today in line with the president’s rallying call.” Said James Gitaka, reporter Milele Fm.

Highlighting the challenges faced by members of the press, James a practicing journalist in Uasin Gishu County called for the push to have the rights of journalists as workers recognized as stipulated by the International Labor Organization (ILO) .

A section of UGJA members during the tree growing exercise in Moiben

“On media independence, there are a lot of challenges including but not limited to poor salaries, lack of a conducive work environment, closure of media working spaces especially at county level by many mainstream Media organizations. As an association of journalists, in collaboration with other stakeholders, we will work together with our members of parliament to push for a bill that will champion for the rights of the members of the press under the international labor laws in this country which focus on things like their salaries and remuneration ,just like any other worker”Added James Gitaka.

Members of Moiben sub county have been urged to plant more trees to improve their Forest cover as the sub county has the lowest tree cover within Uasin Gishu .

“I am excited , getting this opportunity to unite with the press and media practitioners in celebrating World Press Freedom Day at Ilulla, Muyingwet dispensary, Moiben Sub County. I thank the members of the press who decided to celebrate and mark this day by growing trees ,Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his administration are deliberate in working closely with the media ,we all need a vibrant fair and independent media that will play its role of informing the public on various issues happening within and outside of the county and most importantly a media that also takes time to engage with the community in search a noble activity ,” Noted Koiya Arap Miayo, Director Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, Uasin Gishu County, who graced the occasion.

Koiya Arap Maiyo Director Alcoholic Drinks Control Board Uasin Gishu(C )Ann Oluoch, Forester Moiben and Uasin Gishu Journalist Association Chair James Gitaka planting a ceremonial tree at Muyingwet Dispensary.

“I want to thank and appreciate the media personnel for planting 3,000 tree seedlings. We have added more tree cover within Moiben Sub County, as we know Moiben has the lowest percentage of tree cover within the county largely due to land mechanization and we are asking the community to continue planting more trees.” Opined Ann Oluoch, Forester Moiben Sub County .

UGJA Vice chair Marius Kemboi and Ann Oluoch, Forester Moiben planting a tree

“On this day we are very grateful to be here and commemorate international press freedom day. It is an important day for journalists and young media practitioners who are getting into the industry , the press has a moral duty, being the society’s watch dog . Taking care of the environment is a good initiative it also brings together the media and the community .” Noted James Ahela , Media trainer, The Eldoret National Polytechnic.

The Exercise was generously supported by the MTRH CEO Dr Wilson Aruasa,Koiya Arap Maiyo Director Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, Uasin Gishu County, New Yako Supermarket among other media partners.