The Model Village, a transformative mission towards the 15 billion tree-growing strategic initiative through agroforestry woodlots in schools that was launched in Meru County about a month ago, has now been advanced to Turkana County.
Speaking during the launch of the mission at Nakwamekwi Comprehensive School in Turkana Central Sub-County on Monday, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Dr Deborah Barasa represented by Forestry Director of Economic Planning Lawrence Muthamia said this was the most appropriate model to take Kenya where it needs to be in terms of tree cover.
She said the transformative mission was not only environmental but generational and rooted in the 15 billion Tree Growing Campaign under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“This initiative, delivered through the Model Village Transformative Framework, is a bold declaration that climate action, education, and local livelihoods must grow together,” said Dr Barasa.
She added: “The Model Village Concept, first launched in Meru on May 01 this year is now being adapted here in Turkana, bringing together learners, teachers, parents, faith institutions, and community leaders under one transformative green agenda.”
According to Dr Barasa, the framework encompasses agroforestry tree planting in schools, polytechnics, and places of worship, community-run tree nurseries for sustainability and livelihoods, education for climate-smart land use and tree management as well as data-driven monitoring of planting efforts and survival rates.
“With technical support from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), and other partners, this initiative is taking root in more than 30 institutions in Turkana County,” said Dr Barasa.
She appreciated the Turkana County Government for excellent coordination with national agencies and the presidential task force, active participation of community forest associations, religious leaders, and local schools, early identification and preparation of planting sites as well as alignment with national restoration goals and Vision 2030.
“This is a shining example of county-national collaboration and the spirit of devolution working at its best. Let’s Green Kenya, Starting Where Life Began.”
“As we stand here at the birthplace of humanity, I urge all of us to plant with purpose. Let us inspire our children to become custodians of creation, equip our schools to teach and live out sustainability, encourage our faith leaders to preach environmental stewardship, and invite development partners to walk this journey with us,” said Dr Barasa.
In his own remarks, Mr Muthamia said the trees being planted today are seeds of peace, hope, and prosperity and called on Turkana County to lead the way as it has always done into a future where nature and people thrive together.
“Turkana is a land of beginnings, where the story of humankind is deeply rooted. And today, it becomes a land of renewal. Through the establishment of agroforestry woodlots in schools, churches, and community lands, we are breathing life back into degraded landscapes,” said Mr Muthamia.
He said this effort is part of Kenya’s national goal to restore 10.25 million hectares by 2032, with 30 percent of this achieved through agroforestry and commercial woodlots, including fruit trees to nourish the people and the environment.
“Let us make history once again—from the soil of Turkana to the soul of Kenya—by restoring the dignity of our land and the destiny of our children,” said Mr Muthamia.
By Dickson Mwiti
