Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for collective efforts to restore Kenya’s forests, as the government continues its ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Speaking during the International Day of Forests celebrations at Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County, Duale, through Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi, termed the progress remarkable, with 0.7 billion trees already planted nationwide.
To combat deforestation and climate change, the government is implementing the Green Zones Development Programme, enhancing community resilience, and promoting the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme. Duale emphasized that forests play a crucial role in providing food, medicine, water, and livelihoods for millions, making their conservation a national priority.
“We are currently fencing public forests to curb encroachment,” Duale stated, highlighting that human activities, climate change, and land degradation continue to threaten essential ecosystems. He urged farmers, community members, government institutions, and private sector players to take an active role in tree-growing and sustainable land management.
“With cross-sector collaborations in agriculture, forestry, and environmental conservation, we can promote nature-based solutions that enhance food production while mitigating climate change,” he added.
As the long rains season sets in, Duale called on Kenyans and development partners to embrace tree planting and conservation efforts for a greener and food-secure future.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok reaffirmed his county’s commitment to forest restoration, revealing that a budget has been allocated to support environmental conservation. He emphasized a collaborative approach, involving schools, local communities, and multinational companies in rehabilitating the degraded Chepalungu Forest.
“Chepalungu Forest suffered extensive destruction during the 2007-08 post-election violence, but we are taking measures to restore it, including fencing degraded areas to prevent further encroachment,” Barchok said.
The county has initiated socioeconomic projects such as beekeeping and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to involve locals in conservation efforts. Additionally, discussions with the Kenya Wildlife Service aim to introduce eco-friendly wildlife species to boost biodiversity and promote eco-tourism for local income generation.
Smachs Foundation founder Charlene Ruto underscored the importance of educating learners on environmental conservation, encouraging them to plant and nurture trees. Her foundation is also setting up tree nurseries near forests to provide seedlings and promote afforestation efforts.
