President Ruto claims Kenya planted 750 million trees in 2024

In an Annual Address to Heads of Mission and International Organisations, Ruto intimated that the ambitious achievement was realized through the Kenya National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign launched on December 21, 2022.

The campaign targets planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to combat climate change with every Kenyan expected to plant 30 trees a year. 

"Kenya remains committed to collaborating with like-minded nations to push the climate agenda forward," Ruto noted.

"In 2024, our efforts led to the planting and growing of 750 million trees."

The Head of State further noted that Kenya will continue championing equitable climate financing and ensuring that Africa remains central in global climate discussions. 

"As we approach COP30 (UN Climate Summit), we call on international partners to honour their climate financing commitments," he said. 

Ruto's sentiments however come after Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale announced that Kenyans planted 481 million trees from January 2024 to October 2024.

This now means that in just two months, going with Mr. Ruto's questionable announcement, Kenyans planted 269 million trees.

Reports from the Forestry Ministry show that Forty thousand trees were later planted as CS Duale oversaw several tree-growing activities including the expansion of Kaberua Tree Nursery.

Another 10,000 trees were planted in a joint tree-planting initiative at Sachangwan, Koibatek Forest in Baringo County led by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi in November 16.

Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi led another tree planting exercise in Kirisia Forest, Samburu County in November 22, 2022, where 40,000 trees were planted.