Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, has urged farmers across the country to embrace climate-smart agriculture as a lasting solution to the effects of climate change that continue to threaten food production.
In a speech read on his behalf by Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Managing Director, Dr. Wilson Tonui, during a tree-planting exercise in Kericho County, the PS said unpredictable weather patterns and prolonged droughts have significantly affected farmers’ yields, calling for urgent adaptation measures.
“Climate change has affected farmers greatly, and that is why I am urging them to adopt climate-smart agriculture, by planting a tree, you are not just making a difference today but creating a legacy for generations to come.” read part of the PS’s speech
Dr. Rono disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has directed every staff member to plant at least 30 trees annually and to participate in three tree-growing events each year, as part of the national effort to increase forest and tree cover.
He said the Ministry has adopted two tree-growing sites in Makueni and Samburu counties, comprising five stations covering a total of 29 hectares, to spearhead the greening initiative.
According to PS Rono, since December 2022, the Ministry through the State Department for Agriculture has also facilitated the procurement, delivery, and distribution of more than 3.9 million assorted crop seedlings to farmers across various counties through national government administrative officers.
“The distributed seedlings include 2.4 million avocado seedlings, 76,000 mango, 109,000 macadamia seedlings, 19,000 coconut seedlings, 17,000 cashew nuts, 10,000 pawpaw, 3,000 citrus, 183,000 agroforestry, 134,000 tea seedlings, and 85,000 coffee seedlings,” he stated, adding that such initiatives are key to food security and environmental restoration.
Dr. Rono, an alumnus of Chepsir and Chesinende primary schools where the event took place, donated 20,000 avocado seedlings to the two institutions and farmers around the schools, encouraging learners to nurture them as part of their contribution to the national 15-billion-tree campaign.
Speaking during the same occasion, Dr. Wilson Tonui reaffirmed ADC’s commitment to planting 100 million trees by 2032 in support of President William Ruto’s 15-billion-tree target, disclosing that ADC’s 1.8 million acres of land present a major opportunity for large-scale tree growing and environmental rehabilitation.
He emphasised that fruit trees offer a dual advantage of improving nutrition while protecting the environment.
“When we plant fruit trees, we are securing food, income, and clean air all at once. This is how we link agriculture with climate action,” Dr. Tonui said.
The MD added that ADC is working closely with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to produce and distribute seedlings to schools and community groups across the country.
“We are determined to grow 10 million trees every year, and with partnerships such as these, the target is achievable,” he said, urging Kenyans to rally behind this year’s theme, “Turudi Primo, Tuka donate Fruit Trees.”
Kericho County Forest Conservator, Mr. James Kwambai, lauded ADC’s effort, noting that the County has a target of growing 163 million trees by the year 2032, which translates to growing 16 million trees annually.
“So far, we have planted about 10 million trees, and our forest cover now stands at 8.8 percent, with tree cover at 12 percent,” he said.
He stressed that the County aims to raise its tree cover to 32 per cent to achieve optimal environmental stability. Mr. Kwambai added that reviving 4K Clubs in schools will boost seedling production and create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Ms. Alice Adongo, Regional Officer for the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) in the Rift Valley, urged teachers and pupils to take care of the newly planted trees.
“Tree planting is only the first step; the next is nurturing. These seedlings need constant care if they are to survive and make an impact,” she said.
She further explained that KEFRI is supporting monitoring efforts through the Jazamiti mobile app, which allows institutions and individuals to record the number and type of trees planted for national tracking.
“Digital tools will help us account for every tree and measure progress toward the 15-billion-tree goal,” Ms. Adongo noted.
The Kericho event saw 20,000 fruit tree seedlings planted at primary schools in Kericho County, with students, teachers, and community members participating in the exercise.
As the ceremony concluded, Dr. Tonui said he will run a school feeding programme for the two schools and reminded participants that every seedling planted symbolised renewed hope for Kenya’s future. “Let us grow trees, grow food, and grow hope together,” he said.
Dr. Tonui pledged his continued support to the two institutions through the provision of fertilisers and livestock fodder to strengthen the school feeding programme benefiting both pupils and staff.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
