Kenyans plant 35,000 indigenous trees in a single day as they battle effects of global warming

Kenya’s reforestation efforts received a major boost after leading environmental conservationist, community and business entities planted a record 35,000 indigenous trees in a single day.

The reforestation exercise which took part at the slopes of Mt Kenya forest is the biggest single reforestation exercise to be undertaken in recent times.

The exercise is part of the ongoing National Tree Planting Campaign spearheaded by Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko,Mount Kenya Safari Club, Community Forest Associations, Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Forest Service, officials from Laikipia and Nyeri County Governments among others, converged at Plot 1M, Nanyuki Forest Station for the massive tree planting exercise.

Speaking as the exercise got underway, Mount Kenya Safari Club and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Chairman Mr. Humphrey Kariuki accompanied by Laikipia County Governor, Nderitu Muriithi, said the two entities will support planting and nurturing to maturity of the 35,000 trees as part of their corporate commitment to facilitate environmental conservation.

“Planting of indigenous trees also provides us with a chance to invest in a better tomorrow. A tomorrow where we can look forward to harnessing nature’s goodness in the form of medicinal plants from this forest among other benefits,” he said.

Also read: Kenya Defense Forces drop guns for tree seedlings as they begin operation to plant 3 million trees in quest to restore depleted forest cover

Kenya is currently battling with a severe drought blamed on cutting down of trees haphazardly including at vital water catchment areas.

Early last month, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, kicked off a national tree planting exercise as part of a strategic campaign to increase forest cover to 10% by the year 2022.

The Council of Governors (CoG) recently also committed to support the national government’s reforestation efforts.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) last month, as part of their commitment to protect Kenya’s natural resources began an environmental restoration operation which includes planting of more than 3 million trees.

All the indigenous trees have been purchased from local Community Forest Associations (CFA’s) who will also be incorporated in the planting and nurturing to maturity programme.