Gov’t announces how to get your tree seedling for planting on Monday

In a statement issued on Friday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged all Kenyans to participate in the exercise that will be led by President William Ruto.

“Following the gazettement of the National Tree Growing Day set for the 13th of November 2023, we urge all Kenyans to participate in the exercise that will be led by H.E President William Ruto.”

“Members of the public are advised to visit their nearest Chief’s office for tree seedlings and liaise with the area Assistant County Commissioner and Deputy County Commissioner in respective Counties,” said Omollo.

President Ruto will launch the tree-growing exercise at Kiu Wetland in Makindu, Makueni County.

At the County level, tree growing activities will be championed by Cabinet Secretaries with each championing tree growing activities in at least two counties.

According to Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, there are 150 million plantable seedlings at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and Kenya Forest Services (KFS) nurseries across the country, as well as nurseries of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.

“Additionally, there are millions of seedlings in private nurseries, run by women and youth groups in Community Forest Associations and Community-Based Organizations across the country available at a fee,” said CS Tuya.

She added: “I would like to urge fellow citizens, that in the true Kenyan spirit, let us buy a seedling or two from these community-run nurseries and plant in our shambas.”

The government is aiming to plant at least 100 million seedlings on Monday across the country with the national target for the short rains season being 500 million seedlings.