Tree growing activities continued across several conservancies in Kenya as part of the national effort to increase forest cover and contribute to the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees. The activities were largely coordinated by the Kenya Forest Service in collaboration with partners such as Community Forest Associations (CFAs), schools, farmers, government departments, and conservation organizations.
In the Central Highlands Conservancy, a major plantation establishment exercise took place at Nanyuki Forest Station in Nyeri County, where 66,272 seedlings of Cupressus lusitanica were planted across 53.7 hectares in sub-compartments 4(U) and 4(O). The activity involved KFS officers and PELIS farmers who committed to monitor and maintain the seedlings to ensure their survival during the rainy season.
Within the Eastern Conservancy, several counties recorded significant planting progress. In Meru County, tree planting was conducted at Marania Forest Station and Sirimon Block where 22,004 Cupressus seedlings were planted in plantation areas with sufficient soil moisture.
Additional rehabilitation and replanting activities were carried out in Ngaya Forest and other sites in Tharaka-Nithi County, where 8,000 seedlings were planted in forest and institutional sites including Chuka Vocational Training Institute.
Further planting activities were undertaken in Machakos and Makueni counties where farmers and partners supported woodlot establishment and forest enrichment planting. In Machakos, several private farms received 800 eucalyptus and assorted seedlings, while 5,000 Acacia seedlings were planted in Kibwezi Forest through a partnership with Women for Water and Natural Conservation.
In the Western Conservancy, schools in Busia and Bungoma counties participated in tree planting activities that established boundary trees and woodlots totaling 1,255 seedlings.
Species planted included Cupressus, Markhamia, Casuarina, Tamarindus, and Jacaranda to enhance environmental conservation and provide future tree resources.
The Nairobi Conservancy also recorded progress in Kajiado County, where 100 seedlings were planted at the Department of Trade compound to improve environmental aesthetics and support conservation efforts.
In the Ewaso North Conservancy, 100 assorted exotic and indigenous seedlings were planted at Ladala Primary School in Samburu County through collaboration between Marwell Wildlife, KFS, and other stakeholders.
Additional tree growing initiatives were implemented in Embu County, where four sites including schools and rehabilitation areas recorded a combined planting of 4,800 seedlings under the coordination of the Kenya Forest Service in partnership with organizations such as ACK Mbeere Diocese and local Community Forest Associations.
In the North Eastern Conservancy, tree planting exercise were conducted on at Gedithure Secondary School in Wajir East Sub-County, Wajir County.
The activity was led by the Kenya Forest Service in collaboration with stakeholders from the education sector. During the exercise, 30 seedlings of Azadirachta indica (Neem) were planted on 0.03 hectares to establish a school woodlot aimed at promoting environmental conservation and increasing tree cover in the area.
Overall, these activities demonstrate continued collaboration between government agencies, communities, institutions, and conservation partners in supporting Kenya’s ambitious national tree growing campaign aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening climate resilience.
By Anthony Solly
