Murang'a: Various stakeholders in Murang'a County have embarked on an ambitious tree-planting initiative, aiming to plant eight million trees in an effort to boost forest cover, combat climate change, and enhance environmental conservation. The programme, spearheaded by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), aims to realize the county's annual target of planting 13.4 million trees.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murang'a County Forest Conservator Ms. Eunice Njoroge stated that KFS is collaborating closely with farmers, institutions, and local communities to ensure the initiative's success. The agency is providing both exotic and indigenous tree seedlings, technical support, training, and facilitating collaborations with NGOs and the county government to enhance reforestation efforts.
Ms. Njoroge emphasized the necessity of planting a mix of tree species to address different environmental and economic needs. She advised farmers to grow exotic trees mainly for construction and income generation, while indigenous species play a critical role in soil conservation. The conservator highlighted the benefits of bamboo, valuable for construction and cottage industries, and fruit trees, which contribute to nutrition and improved livelihoods.
Murang'a County currently boasts a tree cover of 27.8 percent (70,237.19 hectares) and a forest cover of 16.68 percent (42,135.75 hectares). While deforestation is not rampant in the area, KFS has prioritized enrichment planting, introducing trees into existing forests to enhance biodiversity without disrupting the natural habitat.
To achieve the county's annual tree-planting target, KFS has implemented several key conservation measures. Farmers and institutions receive expert guidance on best tree-planting practices, species selection, and site preparation to maximize survival rates. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate residents on the benefits of forest conservation and its role in climate resilience.
KFS is collaborating with various stakeholders, including farmers, NGOs, churches, and private tree nurseries, to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure the initiative is widely adopted. A digital monitoring system has been introduced through the Jaza Miti app, allowing farmers to record tree-planting data for real-time tracking of tree survival and growth.
Moreover, KFS has launched the 'Adopt-a-Tree' initiative, encouraging individuals and organizations to take responsibility for specific trees or designated sites to ensure their long-term care and maintenance. The initiative aligns with Kenya's national goal of achieving 30 percent tree cover by 2032 while also contributing to global reforestation efforts.
With continued community participation and structured support, Murang'a is positioning itself as a leader in afforestation, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.