This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On August 4, 2020, the Kenyan government's ambitious plan to plant 2 billion trees by 2022 was reported to be on track, according to Dr. Chris Kiptoo, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The plan, which aims to reclaim 5.1 million hectares of degraded landscape, has faced a major challenge: the availability of seedlings. Dr. Kiptoo stated that the government had initially hoped to plant 500 million trees this year, 700 million in 2021, and 800 million in 2022.
However, the government is taking steps to address this issue. Dr. Kiptoo announced plans to map, register, and certify tree nurseries, including one in Konza Technopolis. This move is part of the country's post-COVID-19 plans and is aligned with Kenya's tree planting strategy and global commitments to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and land degradation.
The government aims to rally 35 million Kenyans to plant trees, with the goal of planting 60 seedlings per day, which would translate to 2 billion trees. The Kenya Forestry Research Institute has estimated that the country needs 100 tonnes of seeds for the 2 billion trees.
Dr. Kiptoo emphasized the importance of private sector engagement in supporting nurseries and pledged to hold a donor and private sector conference to secure pledges and commitments to buy seeds. This initiative will not only support enterprises but also create post-COVID-19 jobs.
Other notable speakers at the webinar included Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Innovation and Youth Affairs Principal Secretary, Mr. Jerome Ochieng, and Deputy Director General Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), Mr. Enosh Onyango.
