Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko
Kenya’s ambitious tree-growing campaign has crossed a major milestone, with over 846 million seedlings planted and geo-tagged across the country in the effort to combat climate change and restore degraded landscapes.
Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the seedlings have been tracked through the Jaza Miti digital platform, a tool designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the government’s pledge to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
“Across all 47 counties, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, the private sector and government agencies have taken ownership of this national call to action,” Lemarkoko said.
The Kenya Forest Service has invested heavily in seedling production, supporting over 300 nurseries, working with community forest associations and private growers and distributing 205 million biodegradable potting bags. Last year alone, more than 561 million seedlings were supplied nationwide.
Schools have adopted woodlots and green clubs to foster long-term tree care, while youth and women’s groups have been drawn into nursery production and aftercare.
In Nairobi, 34 nurseries run by women and youth under the Climate WorX Programme have already produced nearly a million seedlings valued at Sh47.5 million.
“To strengthen this initiative, the Service has provided over 1 million potting bags and 1,500kg of seeds to the Climate WorX nurseries,” Lemarkoko noted, adding that restoration efforts are also creating jobs and tackling youth unemployment.
Kenya currently has 8.83 per cent forest cover and 12.13 per cent tree cover. Forests contribute 3.6 per cent to GDP, directly employing up to 50,000 people and indirectly supporting as many as 600,000. They also supply over 80 per cent of the country’s energy needs through fuelwood and serve as a vital carbon sink.
Community Forest Associations, managing 6,453 hectares of plantation forests integrated with food crops, have seen both their livelihoods and forest health improve.
Lemarkoko emphasised that the 15-billion-tree goal is not just about numbers but about securing water towers, enhancing biodiversity and leaving future generations a greener, more climate-resilient nation.
“Tree growing is our collective work and the legacy we will leave for future generations,” he said.
Instant analysis
Kenya’s progress in planting over 846 million trees marks a critical step in its pledge to grow 15 billion by 2032. Beyond the numbers, the initiative reflects a shift toward community-driven climate action, with schools, youth, women and private groups actively involved. The campaign is not only about restoring degraded ecosystems and protecting water towers, but also about generating livelihoods, tackling youth unemployment and ensuring energy security in a country where 80 per cent of households rely on fuelwood. Still, sustaining momentum will require consistent funding, rigorous monitoring and long-term care to ensure seedlings mature into resilient forests.
