The State Department for Wildlife has intensified efforts to restore ecosystems through sustained tree-growing initiatives, with the latest exercise carried out at Oloitokitok forest in Kajiado County.
Through such initiatives, the Department continues to promote human-wildlife coexistence by restoring habitats, reducing conflict, and enhancing sustainable livelihoods for communities living adjacent to key ecosystems.
Speaking during the exercise, Director of Administration in the Department Vincent Ongere said the Department had returned to the site barely three weeks after planting 10,000 tree seedlings to plant an additional 10,000.
He said the follow-up activity demonstrates the government’s commitment to accelerating forest restoration, particularly during favourable weather conditions.
Ongere noted that the initiative is not just about planting trees but ensuring that the seedlings are nurtured to maturity to realise long-term environmental benefits.
“Oloitokitok Forest is a critical component of the Amboseli ecosystem, serving as a key wildlife corridor linking Amboseli National Park to Chyulu national park, Tsavo national park and extending into Tanzania.
The corridor supports wildlife movement and dispersal while providing essential resources such as food, water, shelter and breeding grounds,” said Ongere.
The forest, he added, also plays a vital role as a water catchment area, sustaining rivers and springs that support both local communities and wildlife.
He said its restoration is expected to contribute to climate change mitigation and enhance environmental resilience.
Oloitokitok Community Forest Association Chairman William Oloiputari lauded the initiative, noting that the local community has embraced conservation efforts after realising the benefits of the forest.
He said residents are committed to ensuring the planted trees are nurtured to maturity.
On his part, Oloitokitok Deputy County Commissioner Geoffrey Tonui called on stakeholders to support tree-growing efforts, noting that some sections of the forest remain degraded and require urgent restoration
The tree-growing exercise is in line with the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
By Diana Meneto
