By Miriam Itotia and Roy Lumbe

For many bodaboda riders, the road is where they work. For Noel Meshark, it has also become a place to grow a greener future.Since 2022, Meshark has planted an impressive 19,650 trees along roads in Nakuru East and Nakuru West, transforming an individual passion into a remarkable environmental conservation initiative.

His journey began along Ronald Ngala Road shortly after he arrived in Nakuru. Armed with determination and a love for the environment, he started planting trees using seedlings purchased with his own earnings.

For three years, he has consistently planted trees in town. He deliberately included fruit-bearing and medicinal species, recognising that trees can provide food, medicine, shade and other benefits to communities. His dedication attracted the attention of the County Government of Nakuru. Under the leadership of H.E. Governor Susan Kihika, the County began supporting his initiative by providing tree seedlings. His commitment also opened another door: employment as a Casual worker under greening and beautification program,with the County Government.

According to the Director of Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Grace Karanja, the County continues to support Meshark with seedlings, enabling him to expand his conservation work.

But Meshark has a concern.

Livestock are destroying some of the trees he has spent years planting and nurturing.

As Nakuru marks Mazingira Month, he is appealing to residents, particularly livestock owners, to protect the trees growing along our roads.

His message is simple: Planting trees is only half the job. Keeping them alive is everyone’s responsibility.

Meshark’s story reminds us that environmental conservation doesn’t always start with a large project or substantial funding. Change begins with one person, a few seedlings and the determination to make a difference. In Noel Meshark’s case, that determination has already put 19,650 trees in the ground.