Expansion of Kaberua Tree Nursery Set to Boost Forest Cover in Mt. Elgon

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, together with Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, launched the expansion of the Kaberua Tree Nursery in Kapsokwony on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The initiative, part of the larger national effort to restore Kenya’s forests, is expected to play a pivotal role in increasing forest cover in the Mt. Elgon region, an area known for its ecological significance.

The expanded nursery will double its production capacity, increasing its annual output of tree seedlings from 500,000 to 1 million. In addition, the land on which the nursery operates will expand from 1 acre to 2 acres, allowing for greater capacity to produce more tree species suited for forest restoration. This move is aligned with the ambitious goals of the government’s 15 billion Kenyan shilling National Tree Growing Programme, which aims to restore degraded parts of Mt. Elgon Forest and enhance Kenya’s overall forest cover.

The launch of the expanded tree nursery is part of the government’s broader climate action strategy, which seeks to rehabilitate critical ecosystems like Mt. Elgon Forest. Speaking at the event, CS Aden Duale emphasized the importance of the initiative in Kenya’s efforts to combat climate change and restore vital forest ecosystems.

“The expansion of the Kaberua Tree Nursery will not only accelerate the restoration of degraded parts of Mt. Elgon Forest but also contribute significantly to the country’s goal of increasing forest cover,” Duale said. He also highlighted the nursery’s crucial role in supplying seedlings for reforestation efforts across the region. The government has set an ambitious target of increasing forest cover from 12.3% to 30% by 2032, with a focus on areas like Mt. Elgon, which serves as a vital watershed for millions of people in the surrounding counties.

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Mt. Elgon, which straddles the border between Kenya and Uganda, is home to a unique mix of biodiversity, including rare and endemic species of plants and animals. It is also one of Kenya’s major water towers, supplying water to key rivers that serve as the main source of water for local communities and several counties. However, over the years, parts of the Mt. Elgon Forest have suffered from environmental degradation, largely due to deforestation, agricultural activities, and human encroachment.

To address this, the Kaberua Tree Nursery will play a vital role in replenishing the forest cover with diverse indigenous species that are well-suited to the local environment. The project is a collaborative effort supported by various stakeholders, including the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kaberua Community Forest Association (CFA), and local governments. The initiative is also backed by the 7th Cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-7), with funding from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and co-funding from Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia Counties.

Governor Ken Lusaka, who attended the launch, expressed his pride in Bungoma County’s role in the project, noting that the expansion would not only enhance environmental conservation but also create employment opportunities for the local community. “The Kaberua Tree Nursery project will provide jobs, improve local livelihoods, and make a meaningful impact on the environment,” Lusaka said. The employment generated by the project will create sustainable income sources for local residents, especially as the forest restoration efforts progress.

The nursery’s expansion is expected to foster long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities. The increase in seedling production will accelerate the restoration of critical habitats and protect Mt. Elgon’s water towers. Additionally, the project will align with Kenya’s broader climate adaptation and mitigation goals, helping to meet international climate commitments.

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As part of the initiative, KFS and the Kaberua CFA will continue to oversee tree planting and forest rehabilitation efforts within the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. The expansion of the Kaberua Tree Nursery signals a crucial step in addressing the challenges of deforestation and environmental degradation, helping ensure a greener, more sustainable future for the people of Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, and the entire Mt. Elgon region.