The national government has announced plans to distribute 20,000 avocado and cocoa seedlings to farmers in Kirinyaga County as part of efforts to promote agroforestry, increase household incomes and accelerate the country’s ambitious tree-growing programme.
Speaking in Kirinyaga, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi urged Kenyans to embrace agroforestry by planting fruit and other economically valuable trees alongside food crops, saying trees are not only critical in conserving the environment but also serve as a reliable source of income for families.
The PS said the government is encouraging farmers to shift towards tree species that provide both ecological and economic benefits, noting that fruit trees such as avocado and the introduction of cocoa farming will diversify farmers’ incomes while contributing to increased forest cover.
“We should plant trees that support life and improve our livelihoods. Trees are wealth because they protect the environment, improve soil fertility, conserve water, provide clean air and at the same time, generate income for households,” he said.
Mugambi said the government is exploring cocoa farming in Kirinyaga and other suitable counties after studies established that the areas have favorable climatic conditions for the crop.
He announced that Kirinyaga will receive 10,000 avocado seedlings and another 10,000 cocoa seedlings to support farmers interested in commercial tree farming and crop diversification.
The PS said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to integrate environmental conservation with economic empowerment by encouraging communities to invest in high-value tree crops that can improve livelihoods while restoring degraded landscapes.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, saying every county has been assigned annual targets based on its ecological potential.
Mugambi said Kirinyaga County has an annual target of planting 7.4 million trees, adding that the county has already achieved nearly half of that target.
He commended residents for the progress made so far but challenged them to intensify tree planting efforts to ensure the county meets and surpasses its annual goal.
The principal secretary also called on the Deputy County Commissioner, local administrators, community organizations and residents to work together in mobilizing communities to plant and nurture more trees.
The PS also appealed to citizens to remain patriotic and work together towards national development.
“We have only one country. Regardless of our differences, we must remain united and work together to build a better Kenya for ourselves and future generations,” he said.
By David Wandeto
