The State Department for Wildlife has stepped up efforts to restore degraded forest ecosystems, with a renewed tree-growing initiative at Loitoktok Forest in Kajiado County.
During the exercise, Director Administration Vincent Ongere announced that the Department had planted 10,000 tree seedlings at the site, just three weeks after a similar exercise that saw an equal number planted.
The back-to-back activities signal a deliberate push to accelerate forest restoration, taking advantage of the ongoing favourable weather conditions.
Ongere emphasised that the focus has now shifted from tree planting to tree growing, noting that the survival and maturity of trees is critical to achieving long-term environmental and economic benefits.
“Tree growing is about ensuring that what we plant today survives to maturity and continues to support our ecosystems,” he said.
Loitoktok Forest is a vital ecological asset within the Amboseli ecosystem, acting as a key wildlife corridor linking Amboseli National Park to the Chyulu Hills, the Tsavo landscape, and further into Tanzania.
Conservationists say the connectivity allows for wildlife movement and dispersal, which is essential for maintaining healthy animal populations.
Beyond its role in wildlife conservation, the forest is also a crucial water catchment area, sustaining rivers and springs that support both local communities and biodiversity.
Environmental experts note that restoring such landscapes is key to mitigating the effects of climate change.
The initiative is part of the Government’s broader plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032; an ambitious target aimed at increasing the country’s forest cover to 30 per cent and enhancing climate resilience. However, officials acknowledge that more effort is needed to meet the target within the set timelines.
Ongere commended the local community for their active participation in forest conservation through the Community Forest Association (CFA), describing community involvement as central to the success of restoration programmes.
He further lauded the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) for mobilising residents and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for their continued efforts in safeguarding forests from encroachment and illegal activities.
Ongere, however, raised concern over emerging threats such as improper waste disposal, warning that unchecked dumping could degrade the forest and contaminate water sources if not addressed early.
The Department reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to restore critical ecosystems while promoting human-wildlife coexistence.
As restoration efforts gain momentum, officials remain optimistic that sustained tree growing, coupled with strong community partnerships, will transform Loitoktok Forest into a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity, tourism and local livelihoods.
By Edwin Gathii and Wangari Ndirangu
