Kenya: The Kenya Forest Service participated in a tree-planting event at Old Kijabe in Kinale Forest Station, Kiambu County on Friday, May 16, 2025. For participation, they collaborated with The East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS), Kijabe Environment Volunteers – (KENVO) and Kinale Community Forest Association (CFA).
Reportedly, the initiative was a part of the forest challenge program that was led by EAWLS, KENVO and KFS that aims to restore over 600 hectares of degraded natural forest areas.
In addition to this, the program seeks to empower the local communities by creating jobs and improving livelihoods. A total number of 20,000 tress were planted that contributed significantly towards the goal of the 15 billion tree-growing campaign.
During the event, the Chief Conservator of forests (CCF) was represented by the Acting Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Advisory, County Liaison and Investment – Dr. Kiptoo. He expressed his gratitude to EAWLS Executive Director – Nancy Ogonje for the collaborative effort in tree planting, in the selected region.
He also thanked all other participants officially for their contributions, emphasizing that achieving 30% forest cover is a collective responsibility for every Kenyan, as outlined in the constitution.
The Executive Director of EAWLS gave her remarks and thanked the partners for their support in the 2024 forest challenge. She also noted that the funds raised from the event have enabled community engagement in the forest restoration program.
Ogonje also mentioned that the forest challenge of year 2025 is also going to take place on November 29, 2025 and urged everyone to participate.
Echoing the sentiments, Executive Director of KENVO – Mr. Nelson Muiru highlighted the importance of caring for the Mother Nature. Since the start of the challenge, 71.5 hectares of degraded forest land have been successfully restored, by achieving the great success with good survival rates.
Chairperson of the CFA – Mr. Daniel Njinu assured the stakeholders of their commitment to protect the planted trees. However, other partners present at the event included the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kijabe Forest Trust, KENGEN, Let’s Go Travel, Madison Group, CIC and CKL.