KFS hiring 4,000 nursery attendants to reach 15 billion trees target

By Zamzam Mohamed and Maria Njoroge, 

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is in the process of hiring 4,000 tree nursery attendants under the ‘Green Army’ program.

According to KFS, the Green Army is expected to greatly contribute to the achievement of growing 15 billion tree seedlings in the next ten years, as set by President William Ruto. 

“Green Army workers will assist in the national tree growing and ecosystem restoration program by raising tree seedlings, and planting trees, silvicultural operations in forests among other forestry duties,” the government entity said in a press statement, adding that applications for the positions have been received. 

KFS has also outlined its plan to utilize technology by using drones in forest monitoring.

“This will ensure data-driven decision-making, and enhanced efficiency in tree planting and maintenance.”

In a bid to leverage on technology, KFS has also participated in designing the Jaza Miti App, a mobile application for tracking tree planting progress across the country.

“The main objective of the Jaza Miti App is to provide information that enhances science-based smart greening activities by stakeholders in forest-based enterprises,” KFS said. 

Through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, KFS operates 300 tree nurseries, and plans to further establish 41 additional nurseries mostly at ASAL counties. 

The forests body has called on Kenyans and other stakeholders to collaborate with it to grow more trees during the current rainy season that is expected to last until January 2024.