NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Government of Israel have signalled plans to deepen cooperation on forest conservation, climate resilience, and technology transfer as Kenya accelerates its ambitious 15-billion-tree growing programme.
Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko at the KFS headquarters in Karura, Nairobi. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration in tree growing, forest conservation, and the application of modern forestry technologies, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
KFS said the engagement was aimed at cementing an existing working relationship that has included joint tree-planting initiatives and conservation support.
During the meeting, Lemarkoko briefed the Ambassador on Kenya’s flagship 15 billion tree growing campaign, championed by President William Ruto, which targets increasing national tree cover to over 30 per cent by 2032.
He said the programme is central to Kenya’s climate change mitigation strategy, noting that improved forest and tree cover would help reduce the adverse effects of climate variability, including droughts and land degradation.
“To achieve the 15 billion tree target, the Service has prioritised the production of high-quality seedlings,” Lemarkoko said, adding that KFS is seeking strategic collaborations to enhance efficiency and meet the annual demand of 1.5 billion seedlings.
The Chief Conservator also raised concerns over prevailing dry conditions that have prompted the declaration of a fire season alert across several forest ecosystems. According to KFS, more than 107 forest fire incidents have already been recorded this year through its fire alert system.
While acknowledging the effectiveness of a French-funded fire surveillance system, Lemarkoko said the technology is currently installed in only a limited number of forest areas. He said KFS is exploring partnerships with development partners to expand fire detection and surveillance systems to all forest ecosystems nationwide.
On his part, Ambassador Behar welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the Israeli Embassy and KFS, citing the Embassy’s adoption of a forest block at Uplands Forest Station in Kiambu County and participation in the ‘Zion’ tree-planting project.
He said Israel is keen to support Kenya’s 15-billion-tree initiative, drawing on its experience in applying technology to forestry in challenging environments.
“Israel is over 60 per cent desert, yet we are using technological interventions, including irrigation, to expand forest cover,” the Ambassador said. He noted that Kenya has stronger experience in managing natural forests, while Israel is in the process of replacing fire-prone pine plantations with broad-leaved tree species that are more resilient to wildfires.
The two sides also agreed to explore partnerships to strengthen the Kenya Forestry College, with a focus on training students in modern forestry technologies and dryland forest management. Plans are also underway to create exchange opportunities for forestry officers from both countries to share expertise and best practices.
The meeting was attended by senior KFS officials and representatives from the Israeli Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The renewed cooperation comes as Kenya steps up international partnerships to support its climate, conservation, and environmental governance agenda, amid growing pressure on forests from climate change, population growth, and land-use pressures.
