Gov’t on course to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 -DP Kindiki

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the country is on course to achieve the targeted 15 billion trees by 2032, which aims to significantly raise Kenya’s forest cover.

Prof. Kindiki noted that conservation of the environment is a priority agenda for the government and planting of trees align perfectly with it, adding that 1.7 billion trees have already been planted across the country since the programme was launched in 2022.

“As a government, we are focused on planting 15 billion trees by 2032 because conserving the environment is one of our priorities,” the DP said.

The DP spoke on Friday during celebrations to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity and the launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) at Tebe Grounds in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“Conservation of our environment is a constitutional and godly endeavour. We must conserve the environment for our own survival,” DP noted.

The DP lauded efforts by the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and respective agencies, including the Kenya Forest Service, which have put the country on the path to achieve the target.

Prof. Kindiki called on Kenyans to support the conservation programme, saying it is for the nation’s well-being.

“As Kenyans, matters concerning the environment are of great importance to us, both now and for the future,” he said.

CHERISH is a programme launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and targets rehabilitating the Cherangani Hills Ecosystem through tree planting, among other activities geared towards returning it to its former state.

“So far, as a country, we have planted 1.7 billion trees and initiatives like CHERISH fit well in our target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032,” stated Kindiki.

Prof. Kindiki praised Mr Murkomen for spearheading efforts to rehabilitate the Cherangani ecosystem and for giving back to his home place.

“I thank Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his family for establishing this foundation and giving back to the community that raised you. It is truly profound that despite being busy with matters of national security, you are still committed to conservation efforts here at home and empowering the people who supported you along the way,” he added.

The DP was also joined by Principal Secretaries Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Festus Ngeno (Environment), Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Belio Kipsang (Immigration), Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs) and Harry Kimtai (Mining), Governors Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, MPs Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), Timothy Kipchumba (Marakwet West), Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North) and Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), host of MCAs and residents.