Mandera County, often viewed as a desert plagued by conflict, could be named the world’s green city if it outperforms Liverpool in the UK and Melbourne in Australia in a competition concluding on September 27.
Governor Mohamed Khalif’s administration has initiated a greening program, planting nearly 300,000 trees to combat frequent droughts. His goal is to plant one billion trees by the end of his five-year term. Approximately 1,300 families have been recruited to care for the trees in the municipality.
Khalif explained that leftover water from prayer rituals will be used to nourish the trees, protecting them from the harsh sun. Each family will adopt and nurture a tree, receiving a monthly stipend of Sh10,000, which provides both motivation and income.
Mandera is competing in the “Living Green for Climate Change” category against the two developed cities. The winner will be announced during the Future Green City World Congress in Utrecht, Netherlands, starting September 25, with the recipient of the World Green City Award 2024.
Liverpool’s project, URBAN GreenUP, and Melbourne’s Green Factor Tool are also in contention. This category recognizes initiatives that promote green living solutions, such as street trees, green roofs, and parks, all aimed at mitigating climate change impacts.
Khalif expressed pride in the greening project, stating, “It has not only transformed Mandera but also brought life to our county, positioning it as a significant place for the future.” Before this initiative, the county faced severe winds and extreme heat with little shade.
Since the tree planting, the region has experienced more rainy seasons, facilitating water harvesting and crop irrigation. Khalif emphasized, “Trees are life. Investing taxpayers’ money in this project is a blessing that yields multiple benefits, from shade and food production to aesthetic improvements, making Mandera a sustainable future city.”
The awards ceremony will celebrate the inspiring efforts of finalist cities, showcasing their contributions to plants, nature, and people. Mandera’s afforestation program is described as a beacon of hope, enhancing climate resilience and empowering vulnerable communities, particularly women and youth.
Finalist cities will be evaluated by a distinguished jury, selecting winners across seven categories, including those for biodiversity, health and well-being, water, social cohesion, urban infrastructure, and food systems.
