The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), in partnership with stakeholders, has launched the Short Rains Tree Planting Season in Uasin Gishu County to accelerate national efforts in landscape and ecosystem restoration.
Speaking during the rollout at Timboroa Forest Station, where he led residents in planting 25,000 tree seedlings, Dr. Thomas Kiptoo, Acting Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests in charge of Forest Advisory and County Liaison, said the initiative is part of the government’s 15 billion Tree Growing Campaign launched by President William Ruto in December 2022.
“In the two years since the start of this programme, we have made very commendable progress. So far, over 846 million seedlings have been planted nationwide with strong support from counties, government institutions, and community forest associations,” said Dr. Kiptoo.
He emphasized that the program is not just about numbers but about protecting water catchments, improving food security, and building a climate-resilient future.
“Forests bring rainfall, which guarantees food for our communities. The goal is to ensure our children inherit a greener, healthier, and climate-resilient nation,” he added.
Dr. Kiptoo noted that the program has boosted livelihoods by supporting nursery operators, with private tree nursery operators producing over 15 million seedlings and earning more than Sh750 million since its inception.
Community Forest Association chairman, Peter Kimani Ndung’u, lauded the initiative, citing the benefits of improved rainfall, protection of water catchments, cleaner air, and better food production.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, revealed that tree planting efforts across all 47 counties have been encouraging, with 846,863,143 seedlings already planted and geo-tagged through the Jaza Miti digital platform to ensure transparency and accountability.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, KFS supported seedling production in more than 300 government nurseries while working with communities and private operators to ensure quality seedlings were available.
Additionally, 561 million seedlings were supplied nationwide through partnerships with counties, NGOs, and corporate sponsors. To further boost production, 205 million biodegradable potting bags were distributed to KFS nurseries.
Mr. Lemarkoko said KFS has also upgraded its online reporting portal to strengthen efficiency and data-driven decision-making in the tree-growing programme.
President Ruto launched the initiative under the theme “15 billion Trees, Kazi Yetu, Urithi Wetu,” with the target of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
