The campaign to sustain 15 billion tree planting is yielding results, with communities living near forests in Kiambu county supporting the initiative.
In Kinale forest, the Community Forest Association has established seedbeds in the forest and at their homes.
A CFA member Njinu Warwathe stated that the Kenya Forest Service has allocated them a three-quarter hectare plot where they have developed seedbeds.
Chief Conservator of Forest from the Kenya Forest Service Alex Lemarkoko addressed KFS officers at Kinale forest during his visit to the nurseries under construction.
He revealed that these seedbeds produce between 800,000 and 1.2 million seedlings of both indigenous and exotic trees annually.
“Since we want to support tree planting activities, we agreed that all our members should have several seedbeds at home, and nearly all of us have them,” he said.
Njinu also appealed to the public who are not CFA members to develop seedbeds, noting that seedlings are being purchased.
“So many people come to our places looking for seedlings. We have planted many species of indigenous and exotic trees. We sell them regularly, and they have created job opportunities for many of our people,” he said.
Due to the favorable environment and fertile soil in the area, the National Youth Service has partnered with KFS to develop seedbeds aimed at producing 8 million seedlings per year.
Kinale Forest Station Manager Robert Ngotho said the project development was expedited by drilling a borehole to sustain water for growing the seedlings.
Ngotho also mentioned that the KFS and NYS project plans to establish 7 camps, with each camp producing 2 million seedlings annually, meaning the project will yield 14 million seedlings per year.
Members of Kinale forest CFA planting trees at their plots alongside food crops.
“This project is designed to sustain production of adequate and high-quality seedlings to support afforestation and ecosystem restoration. It will have a significant impact on our forests and the environment,” the forester said.
During his inspection to assess progress at the site last week, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko commended the ongoing expansion works, noting that the nursery is projected to ensure an adequate supply of seedlings annually once fully operational.
The CCF also noted the drilling of a borehole, “Water supply is essential for sustainable large-scale nursery operations.”
Lemarkoko also appreciated the construction of accommodation units for National Youth Service personnel, who will provide labor support for nursery management and productivity.
He was accompanied by Kiambu county forest conservator Andrew Matindi and other KFS officers.
However, Ngotho praised the local CFA members for being cooperative and willing to learn about environmental conservation.
The forester also urged CFA members to remain united and maintain their teamwork strategy, adding that they will succeed.
Another CFA member David Chui stated they are committed to supporting President William Ruto’s directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2030, saying if all stakeholders support KFS, the country can exceed the target.
He applauded the government for allowing them to benefit from the forests through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Systems (Pelis), which allocates land for cultivation of food crops to combat hunger and support community livelihoods.
“Under Pelis, KFS allocates plots of land to us. As we cultivate our food crops, we also plant trees,” he said.
“If a seedling dries up in someone’s plot, it is the owner’s responsibility to plant another one to maintain the trees planted and register them in the ‘Jaza Miti app,'” he said.
The Jaza Miti app is accessible via computer or mobile phone and is used by KFS and other government agencies to register all seedlings planted nationwide to track tree planting progress.