Seedlings shortage could curtail state's tree drive - activist

A community based organisation has urged the government to increase access to tree seedlings by Kenyans.

Eshinamwenyuli Youth executive director Jared Orembe said shortage of tree seedlings risks derailing the government vision to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. 

Orembe said the government should partner with community organisations to provide residents with seedlings.

“Most residents cannot afford to buy seedlings despite their desire to plant trees. They rely on donations which are not sustainable,” he said.

Orembe's organisation runs a six-month climate promise project in Butere subcounty.

The project seeks to plant 15, 000 tree seedlings in two sub-locations in Butere in the next six months.

It is supported by the United Nations Development Programme.

He said it involves planting trees alongside food crops to conserve the environment while boosting food production.

Orembe said lack of a public tree nursery in Butere has also slowed the tree planting exercise.

He spoke during a tree planting exercise at Emuleche in Butere on Tuesday.

Orembe said tree planting should be followed by care of trees to grow.

"We will be doing zero work if we do not follow up and ensure that the trees we are planting grow," he said.

Butere Assistant County Commissioner Barnabas Kipsat said the project has played a major role in promoting good farming practices.

He said his office is working to acquire a public space to establish a tree nursery to support tree planting in the region.

“We are encouraging our youths to take the need for tree nurseries as an opportunity to generate income and shun criminal activities such as stock theft in Butere,” Kipsat said.

He urged residents to plant trees in their farms and also take advantage of social events such as weddings and chamas to practice tree planting.