Homa Bay County is preparing to attempt a Guinness World Records challenge by planting 92,000 tree seedlings in a single hour at Lambwe Forest Station on October 10, as part of Kenya’s broader Mazingira Day campaign to plant six million seedlings nationwide. County Forest Conservator Sharon Cheluget confirmed the initiative, which involves 32 selected counties, and emphasized the importance of community participation in mobilizing for the event. The effort aligns with the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, with Homa Bay targeting both the record attempt and environmental restoration. Cheluget highlighted that the seedlings—primarily cypress trees—will be sourced locally and from neighboring Nyanza counties, with trained National Youth Service personnel leading the planting exercise.
The county’s preparations began on October 5, with stakeholders including schools, community organizations, and environmental groups coordinating activities. Over 30 partners recently convened to finalize plans, focusing on site preparation, such as clearing land and digging planting holes, which will involve students and the public. Beyond the record attempt, organizers aim to restore 200 hectares of degraded land, prioritizing wetlands, schools, and riverbanks along the Sondu Miriu and Tende rivers. Bamboo and vetiver grass will be planted to mitigate flooding risks, a critical concern for Homa Bay, which faces seasonal floods and droughts. Cheluget urged residents to leverage expected rains for tree and crop planting while remaining vigilant about flood risks.
Environmentalist Willis Omullo stressed the need for community-led environmental stewardship, warning that tree survival depends on sustained efforts beyond the event. He called on agriculture, livestock, health, and trade sectors to collaborate, noting climate change’s cross-sectoral impact. Omullo emphasized that Homa Bay’s resilience to climate shocks hinges on restoring forest cover and degraded areas, stating, “We are not only planting trees. As much as we are doing a challenge, we would like to see that these trees survive.” Officials also highlighted that the event’s success will be measured by both the record attempt and long-term tree survival rates, underscoring the dual focus on immediate impact and ecological sustainability.
The initiative reflects Homa Bay’s broader climate adaptation strategy, with officials linking tree planting to flood mitigation and food security. Cheluget and Omullo both reiterated that government efforts alone cannot ensure environmental success, advocating for partnerships between local communities, government agencies, and NGOs. The event also coincides with national efforts to combat deforestation, with Homa Bay’s participation showcasing how subnational initiatives can contribute to Kenya’s ambitious reforestation targets. As preparations intensify, the county’s focus remains on balancing record-breaking ambitions with sustainable ecological outcomes.