Kenya Forest Service officials lead tree planting exercise in Kiambu

The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Julius Kamau on Friday participated in a tree planting exercise at Ragia Forest Station within Kiambu County.

Tree planting activities at the station commenced two weeks ago and have been ongoing. The station targets to plant 40,000 assorted tree seedlings during this rainy season.

To date, a total of 22,000 have been planted with the target expected to be achieved by the end of the month. The planting is strictly done with adherence to guidelines outlined by the National Emergency Response Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CCF commended the Forest Station Manager Mr. Francis Mburugu, Forest Rangers manning the station, and Ragia Community Forest Association for well planned and coordinated tree planting exercises.

The CCF noted that the country is currently receiving sufficient rains that support tree planting and urged Kenyans to undertake tree planting initiatives within their private farms and gardens. He said, “This will go a long way towards contributing to the realization of the 10% tree cover by the year 2022.”

Those present during Friday’s activity included the Ecosystem Conservator in charge of Kiambu County Mr. Paul Karanja, Chairman Ragia CFA Mr. James Njoroge, and CFA members among others.

At the same time, the Kenya Forest Service Board Chairman Mr. Peter Kinyua joined Kabaru Community Forest Association in planting 9,720 tree seedlings.

The planting exercise included 3,020 indigenous tree seedlings.

All planting activities were planned and strictly adhered to guidelines against the spread of COVID 19 outlined by the National Emergency Response Committee on Corona pandemic.

Hand washing stations were set up to ensure that those participating washed their hands periodically.

The planting team was divided into small units who proceeded to plant in various sections.
Mr. Kinyua also visited the Station’s tree nursery where the CFA has excelled in tree seedlings production.

The nursery currently has more than 500,000 seedlings of which 200,000 are ready for planting.
The CFA through the support of various stakeholders has successfully partnered with the Service to start and maintain the excellent tree nursery.

Mr. Kinyua applauded the CFA for their excellence in both raising seedlings and planting trees in various sections of the forest station.
So far, the forest station has planted 32,000 tree seedlings during this long rains season and intends to plant over 200,000 seedlings before the end of the planting period.

The Board Chairman was joined by Rhino Ark Executive Director, Christian Lambrechts, and Nyeri County Ecosystem Conservator Moses Wahome.

The Kabaru Forest Station Manager Oliver Kinyua committed to accelerate seedlings production and ensure systems established at the station are adhered to by all stakeholders.

Kabaru Community Forest Association Chairman Ephraim Gachara thanked Mr. Peter Kinyua for visiting the station and recognizing the community’s efforts in seedlings production.

Mr. Gachara said the gaps that were observed in regards to the CFA activities in the forest would be addressed within a period of 14 days.