Kenya hits 783 million mark in tree growing campaign, says Barasa

The government has made tremendous progress towards the target of growing at least ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/environment-climate/article/2001504324/this-is-how-kenya-can-plant-15-billion-trees-by-2032">15 billion trees by 2032< under the National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign.

The campaign, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, halt deforestation and restore 5.1 million hectares of degraded land, is part of the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.

By Tuesday, 8th April 2025, the government, in collaboration with individual Kenyans, corporates, the private sector, and other agencies, had planted 783 million trees.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the milestone reflects a collective national effort involving the government, private sector, civil society, and ordinary Kenyans.

Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Tupande Tree Growing Initiative by One Acre Fund in Kakamega, Barasa lauded the private sector’s critical role in supporting smallholder farmers to participate in tree growing.

“The ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/education/article/2001492603/schools-to-plant-35-million-trees-annually"> 15 billion trees target The CS praised One Acre Fund’s Tupande programme, which has so far facilitated the planting of 97 million trees across the country. 

She said the initiative has reached over 1.4 million farmers and 37,000 institutions. This year alone, the organization aims to distribute 46 million seedlings through its 330 nurseries in 34 counties, 25 percent of which are run by women.

“Tupande nurseries propagate over 20 indigenous, exotic and fruit tree species. This is a story of restoration, but also of empowerment and opportunity,” said the Cs.

Cs said the programme uses the Jazamiti app to track the growth and survival of trees.

In Kakamega County, 21 million trees have been planted so far. The county now targets 20.86 million new trees annually to raise its tree cover from 18.21 percent to 30 percent.

Tupande Director Michelle Kagari said the organization has distributed 150 million seedlings through schools, hospitals, churches and farmer outreach since 2021.

“Farmers can access a wide variety of timber and fruit tree seedlings, including Grevillea, Makhamia, Cypress, Grafted Avocado, Macadamia, Orange, Passion, Tree Tomato, and Pawpaw,” she said.

Kagari added that each Tupande nursery is managed by a Tree Nursery Manager and supported by five marketing agents, creating local employment opportunities. 

He said every farmer who visits a nursery receives 20 free seedlings, while enrolled farmers get 30 free seedlings per season.

Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Environment Peninah Mukabane said the county government is establishing five new nurseries this year under its climate change programme and has set up climate governance structures down to the ward level.

“We have partnered with Kenya Forest Service, Rhino Ark and Safaricom to fence off Kakamega Forest. We’re already seeing regeneration of natural biodiversity and the return of medicinal tree species,” she said.