Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Friday announced plans to make each tourist plant a tree upon visiting the country.

Mutua who spoke during a tree planting exercise in Taita Taveta noted the initiative would help in meeting the government's 15 billion trees target.

According to the CS, the initiative dubbed "One Tree per Tourist" marked a significant step in the nation’s efforts to mitigate against the effects of climate change.

Mutua noted the move was reached during one of the cabinet meetings held at the State House where ministers deliberated how to achieve a green economy. 

The initiative is set to be rolled out in collaboration with tourism agencies in the country, including hotels and other relevant stakeholders.

"Tourism heavily relies on the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems," CS Mutua stated.

Upon arrival into the country, a tourist will be given a tree to plant in a specific designated area with the CS insisting the project will help tourists contribute to the government's initiative.

"Tree planting remains a continuous and pivotal exercise undertaken by the ministry to preserve the country's ecosystem," Mutua revealed.

Mutua's sentiments followed Ruto's directive to Cabinet Secretaries where he directed all ministries to continue planting trees for the next six months.

The Head of State while speaking during a tree-planting exercise in Murang’a County, directed all ministers to plant trees daily beginning Monday, May 13.

“We are not just planting trees today, from Monday, this exercise will continue ministry by ministry daily,” Ruto stated.

“For the next six months, every Ministry will be in charge for a day for planting trees,” he added.