Government Agencies Asked to Forge Partnership with Kenya Forest Services On Reforestation

Kakamega Friday June 30, 2023

KNA by George Kaiga

Kenya Forest Services (KFS) is calling on Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGA’s) to forge partnerships under the Adopt- a Forest program to help expand the ongoing National tree cover.

Western region Conservator of Forests Rose Akimbo, says the program is to have the support of SAGAs and corporates to work with KFS and communities neighboring public forests to plant and grow trees.

The Conservator made the remarks today at Misango Hills during a tree planting campaign spearheaded by the Principal Secretary State Department for Economic Planning James Muhati.

“We appeal to SAGAs within your Ministry to adopt Misango Hills to ensure sustainable restoration of the ecosystem,” he said

Ms. Akombo said the active participation of both State and Non-State actors was crucial to the conservation of ecosystems that are central to the economic growth of the country.

The Adopt-Forest Strategy is a framework that allows partners to adopt a degraded forest area, and plant and maintain trees for at least three years.

So far 20 ministries, departments, and agencies of government and 14 private sector entities have entered into this framework with KFS.

First Lady Rachel Ruto has already adopted 500 acres of degraded Kakamega rainforest.

Ms. Akombo said KFS has developed a long-term National Forest and Restoration to help the government achieve the envisaged 30% tree cover by 2032.

The Conservator said stakeholders in the environment sector in the Western Kenya region plan to plant six million trees by the year 2032.

“At the moment, Vihiga County is leading in the region with 20% tree cover, while Kakamega County stands at 16% tree cover,” she said.

Principal Secretary of the State Department of Economic Planning James Muhati said government agencies and departments will support the reforestation initiative.  

He said that the Misango Hills was an important water catchment for rainwater in three counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, and Siaya serving a population of over 23,000 people.

Courtesy ; K. N. A