West pokot: The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has intensified efforts in a tree planting campaign in West Pokot County, as part of the government's goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Speaking during a tree planting exercise in Chorok area, Pokot South Sub County, the Ag. Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Thomas Kiptoo, reported that KFS had planted 10,200 tree seedlings in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiptoo said to date, 846 million tree seedlings have been planted across the country, with support from both the national and county governments, development partners, and members of the respective communities. The conservator praised the Kapenguria Forest Station community, which has so far planted over 561,000 seedlings and urged them to continue planting trees on farms to reduce the pressure being exerted on gazetted forests. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in nurturing and protecting the planted trees.
Kiptoo also acknowledged key partners including the International Tree Foundation, World Vision, the Ministry of Education, and various government agencies for their contributions. He said even as the country races towards achieving 30 percent tree cover by 2032, KFS and its partners will continue to call on communities to take ownership of the initiative, so as to achieve lasting ecological, social, and economic benefits.
West Pokot County Forest Conservator Benjamin Kore encouraged planting and protection of indigenous tree species, citing their importance for sustainable environmental protection. He called on the Kapenguria Community Forest Association (CFA) to responsibly manage forest user rights and promote conservation. Kore also urged residents to grow fruit and exotic and indigenous trees on their farms for income generation and access to resources like firewood and medicinal herbs.
He reported that since the launch of the 15 billion tree campaign, over 4 million trees had been planted in West Pokot County. In 2025 alone, 900,000 tree seedlings have been planted, including 350,000 avocado and 250,000 mango seedlings donated by the county government and Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). These fruit trees are expected to improve local nutrition and household income.
The Pokot South Assistant County Commissioner Nicholas Otach urged every household to plant at least 50 trees, reinforcing the president's directive to combat deforestation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore degraded landscapes. At the same time, chairman of the Kapenguria CFA, Samuel Kario, noted that the association had 2,300 members across seven locations. He thanked KFS and other stakeholders for their continued support and called for more tree planting while the rainy season lasts.
A resident, Alice Ruto, also outlined benefits of forest conservation citing access to medicinal herbs and firewood and the positive impact of forests on rainfall patterns, thus combating the effects of climate change.