Kenya Declares Special Tree-Planting Holiday with Goal to Plant 100 Million Trees
In a significant environmental initiative, Kenyans are granted a special holiday dedicated to planting trees, contributing to the government’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees within the next decade.
Environment Minister Soipan Tuya emphasizes the inclusivity of the holiday, stating that it allows “each and every Kenyan to own the initiative.” Kenyans are encouraged to plant a minimum of two seedlings each, collectively aiming for the impressive 100-million target.
Public nurseries have made approximately 150 million seedlings available, with the government offering them for free at forest agency centers for planting in designated public areas. Additionally, citizens are urged to purchase two seedlings to plant on their private land.
President William Ruto takes the lead in Makueni, while cabinet ministers and county governors spearhead the ini犀利士 tiative in various regions across the country.
To ensure accountability and track progress, a dedicated internet app called Jaza Miti will monitor the tree-planting exercise. The app allows individuals and organizations to record activities, including the plant species, quantity, and date of planting. It also assists in selecting appropriate seedlings by matching the site with the suitable species, as per the environment ministry.
Environment Minister Tuya reports an “amazing” response, noting two million registrations on the app by Sunday. However, due to floods in the north-eastern region caused by heavy El Niño rains, tree planting will be excluded from this area.
While Kenyans generally applaud the tree-planting initiative, challenges are acknowledged. Environmentalist Teresa Muthoni praises the concept but points out the need for better organization to ensure widespread participation, considering economic hardships faced by many.
Muthoni also raises concerns about the predominance of exotic tree species among the 150 million available in public nurseries, emphasizing the importance of planting the right trees in the right places.
Critics have accused the government of neglecting the issue of illegal logging in public forests, particularly after recently lifting a logging ban. Minister Tuya defends the decision, stating that only forests designated for commercial purposes, constituting about 5% of the total, are affected. She argues that this is necessary to meet local wood demand, create jobs, and promises action against illegal loggers in other forests.
Tuya asserts that the tree-planting initiative is crucial for food security, serving as a mitigation strategy against climate change to address the recurring challenges of droughts and floods in the country.
The minister anticipates the tree-planting momentum to continue beyond the special holiday, with a goal of 500 million trees planted by the end of the rainy season in December.
