Nairobi: Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched a model village fruit tree nursery at Kiamewri Primary School in Meru County, aimed at enhancing the growth of more trees in the region, particularly in schools. The initiative, spearheaded by Forestry Director of Economic Planning, Lawrence Muthamia, aims to fast-track the achievement of a 30 percent forest cover by 2032 through the realization of the model village concept.
According to Kenya News Agency, the nursery is a flagship demonstration and capacity-building center intended to serve as a hub for training and demonstration across the pilot counties, with plans to scale the model nationally. Muthamia stated that he is collaborating closely with the KFS in Meru County, which is expected to provide transport logistics and technical guidance for the entire exercise.
"This initiative supports Meru County's broader agroforestry and reforestation agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Kenya Vision 2030, beginning with 30 priority schools," said Muthamia. "It is designed to catalyze greening efforts across learning institutions, households, community lands, and public spaces."
Muthamia emphasized that the Model Village is more than just a concept; it is a strategic approach to revolutionize economies, restore families, and transform villages into centers of prosperity and purpose. "Our journey towards economic independence is unfolding, and I declare with conviction that this is the mystery of God's work in our time," he added.
Last week, Muthamia, along with representatives from the Meru Governor's Office, National Government Administration Officers, community members, and religious leaders, visited Kiamweri and its adjacent institutions. They planted agroforestry and fruit trees and laid the foundation for a comprehensive sustainability and mentorship framework involving students, teachers, school management, and both county and national government agencies.
"We have continued to mobilize the community to advance the Model Village Agenda, even as we prepare to extend this transformative mission to Turkana and Marsabit by the end of this week under the same thematic approach," Muthamia stated.