Kenya Forest Service personnel from the Karura headquarters in Nairobi engaged in a tree planting initiative on Tuesday aimed at supporting the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
During the Tuesday gathering, KFS officials were accompanied by youth representatives from Nairobi at the Kinale forest station located in Lari Sub-county, Kiambu County.
Alex Lemarkoko, the Chief Conservator of Forests who presided over the activity, emphasized the significance of involving young people in tree cultivation to advance the national objective.
He mentioned that President William Ruto established the target of attaining 30 percent forest cover by 2032 to restore depleted woodland areas.
Based on KFS information, forest destruction occurred in previous years due to illegal tree removal and harvesting without subsequent replantation, resulting in extensive open land.
Nevertheless, the Chief Conservator noted that implemented strategies have facilitated ongoing afforestation efforts nationwide.
Lemarkoko disclosed that the organization will collaborate with the youth, demonstrating their evident enthusiasm, to implement tree planting initiatives across the nation.
“Currently, youth involvement in national development through activities like tree planting is essential. We are delighted to welcome them today and anticipate their continued participation in forest restoration throughout the country,” stated Lemarkoko.
He observed that their dedication and passion for environmental preservation indicated their positive intentions for the nation’s future.
Hillary Kibiwott, recently named ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees campaign, also attended the event following his achievement of planting more than 23,000 trees in a 24-hour period.
Kibiwott urged the youth and the Kinale Community Forest Association (CFA) to protect the environment, emphasizing that environmental conservation is a collective duty involving communities, government entities, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders as it benefits society universally.
Anthony Karumba, the visiting youth representative, confirmed that young people are prepared to support the initiative at any opportunity and location to maximize tree planting outcomes.
“We value KFS for providing avenues for youth engagement in afforestation efforts. We will continue to seek and cultivate further opportunities in the coming years,” added Karumba.
Njinu Warwathe, Secretary of Kinale CFA, commended KFS for backing the community through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) program, which succeeded the Shamba System by allocating forest land parcels where communities cultivate food crops alongside tree plantations.
“While tending to our allocated areas, we simultaneously care for the trees. Should any tree perish, we replace it promptly, ensuring the sustainability of our planted forest,” he explained.
Warwathe highlighted that PELIS has increased agricultural output, thereby addressing food insecurity, generating employment opportunities, and expanding market availability of food products.
KFS reported that 24,000 trees were planted during the initiative.
Additional officials attending comprised senior management personnel including Zipporah Toroitich, Lucy Kiboi, and Commandant Adan Mohamed, along with other representatives.
Also present were Central Region Conservator Monica Ndirangu, Kiambu County Forest Conservator Muriithi Matindi, and Kinale Assistant County Commissioner Rebecca Chepkemoi, accompanied by local chiefs and their assistants.
Chepkemoi expressed gratitude to CFA members for their involvement in supporting government programs, emphasizing that such collaboration enables national advancement and community welfare.