As many people welcomed the New Year with celebrations and rest, 72yr old Rhodah Nambale of Malava, Kakamega County, chose a different way to mark the day by planting trees and promoting environmental care.

Nambale celebrated her 72nd birthday by leading her family of 50 in planting more than 100 tree seedlings. She said the activity was a way of thanking God for the gift of life and also a practical step toward addressing environmental challenges in the area.

During the gathering, she encouraged her family to make tree planting a life long habit rather than a one day activity. Her message supported the national government’s call to increase forest cover as a way of reducing the effects of climate change.

“Long ago, nature provided us with medicine and food. We could find wild fruits in nearby bushes. Today, we are told to buy fruits because we destroyed the bushes that gave us, as Africans, we should not struggle to get what nature once gave us freely.” Rhodah Nambale said

Her words deeply inspired her grandson, Evans Lumunyenyi, an aspiring candidate for the Chemuche MCA seat. He promised to spread the message beyond the family and turn it into a community initiative.

“Old is gold, We value the wisdom our grandmother shares with us. To honour her, I will provide tree seedlings to family members and the wider community during my birthday later this year.” Lumunyenyi said

The family’s effort comes at a time when environmental awareness is growing worldwide. Events such as the climate campaigns that began in 2019 and the global health crisis of 2020 have reminded many people of the close link between a healthy environment and human life.

As the New Year begins, the Nambale family hopes their example will inspire other households in Kakamega County to embrace tree planting and environmental protection. Through her simple but powerful action, the 72-year-old has shown how ordinary citizens can help secure a greener and safer future for generations to come.