International Day of Forests: Inside Kinale 8 million tree nursery

Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, revealed that the facility is undergoing a 40-fold expansion in capacity, a move that signals not just environmental commitment, but strategic national investment.

“Kinale Tree Nursery is a model tree nursery where we are expanding production from a modest 200,000 seedlings per year to a projected 8 million seedlings annually. This expansion is not merely an environmental project; it is a calculated economic engine,” he said.

According to Lemarkoko, the nationwide target of planting 1.5 billion seedlings annually represents a significant long-term economic value, underscoring the role of forestry in driving both environmental restoration and economic transformation.

The CCF noted the expansion of the nursery is a strategic move to catalyze Kenya’s green economy by building a robust value chain for every citizen. Lemarkoko highlights that “While 90% of production focuses on indigenous trees for ecological restoration, the remaining 10% is dedicated to exotic species specifically designed to sustain the nation's plantation forestry sector.”

Beyond environmental benefits, indications suggest the initiative is a massive labour engine, integrating forest adjacent communities through Community Forest Associations and the National Youth Service (NYS). This strategy, Lemarkoko reiterated will enable the service to meet the ambitious 8 million tree seedling target in Kinale forest station alone. 

“This partnership is designed to facilitate a critical knowledge transfer, equipping Kenyan youth with specialized skills that they can later deploy in their own villages to accelerate tree-growing businesses nationwide,” he added. 

Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, at the Kinale tree nursery

The transformation of tree nurseries is part of a "whole of society" approach where the environment and the economy are linked. By securing these assets against threats, KFS notes it aims to ensure they provide lasting economic value to local communities while addressing the global challenge of climate change.

For residents like Faith Njeri, a member of the Kinale Community Forest Association (CFA) the community work at the nursery has provided her with a steady income, which she has used to invest in livestock, such as goats, and improve her home. 

Beyond her own success, she views the nursery as a vital opportunity for "Gen Z" and the younger generation to serve their country while earning a living in a healthy, cool climate.

“I have managed to buy goats from the pay I get here and to take my children to school as well,” she said. 

Kinale resident John Mshando stands amid rows of thriving seedlings, representing the local community's commitment to the national 15-billion-tree agenda.

While pledging his support for the 15 billion tree growing agenda, Kinale resident John Mshando petitioned for casual laborers at the nursery to be transitioned into permanent roles, viewing stable employment as a way to secure the livelihoods of future generations.