NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has intensified preparations for the upcoming national tree planting campaign as part of broader efforts to increase forest cover and strengthen climate resilience.
Officials from the Kenya Forest Service said preparations for the annual International Day of Forests and the long rains tree planting season were reviewed during a high-level visit to the agency’s headquarters in Nairobi by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
The engagement assessed progress toward achieving Kenya’s target of increasing national tree cover to 30pc by 2032, a key pillar of the country’s climate action and environmental restoration strategy.
During the briefing, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said this year’s International Day of Forests will be commemorated on March 21 at the Maragoli Hills Forest Station.
The event is expected to bring together government leaders, conservation partners, and local communities to support rehabilitation of the fragile ecosystem while promoting awareness of the role forests play in biodiversity protection and climate stability.
Officials said the visit also evaluated the service’s preparedness for the upcoming long rains tree planting season, which is considered a critical period for accelerating the country’s national forest restoration programme.
Kenya has, in recent years, intensified tree growing campaigns as part of broader environmental reforms aimed at reversing deforestation and restoring degraded landscapes.
Authorities say partnerships with communities, institutions, and conservation organisations will be essential in scaling up tree planting efforts across the country.
Koskei was accompanied by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, during the visit. The delegation was received at the agency’s headquarters by Lemarkoko and other senior officers of the forest service.
Officials said the government remains committed to mobilising stakeholders nationwide to support tree-growing initiatives and strengthen forest protection measures as the country works toward its long-term environmental targets.
