The Authority is on track in its tree planting and water catchment conservation efforts. This follows the Presidential directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, an initiative aimed at combating climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore degraded landscapes. The initiative also aims to increase Kenya’s tree cover from the current 12% to 30% by 2032.
The Authority has undertaken and continues to undertake a series of coordinated tree planting activities across various strategic locations in Kenya. These initiatives form part of the Authority’s wider environmental conservation and catchment rehabilitation agenda.
The activities were implemented in collaboration with communities, learning institutions, government partners, and stakeholders, with the goal of enhancing ecological integrity, supporting flood control interventions, and contributing to climate action efforts.
The specific objectives of the tree planting exercises include:
- To rehabilitate degraded flood-prone areas and enhance catchment protection.
- To increase tree cover and restore biodiversity in targeted regions.
- To engage schools and local communities in sustainable environmental practices.
- To commemorate World Water Day 2025 with action-oriented conservation activities.
Eng. Julius Mugun, the Ag. CEO led the exercise at Enchorro Enkai Primary School in Isinet, together with staff from the Authority and the school community, where they successfully planted over 5,000 tree seedlings.
In his address, Eng. Mugun emphasized the critical role of trees in conserving water resources, combating the impacts of climate change, and ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation has a target of planting and regrowing five million trees in a period of 5 years. This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to sustainable natural resource management and strong community engagement
Other areas that the Authority has planted trees include water catchment areas along our major dams such as Kiserian dam in Kajiado, Umaa dam in Kitui, Siyoi-Muruny’ dam in West Pokot, and along our flood control sites like Kipsitet in Kericho, Budalangi in Busia, Kanyaboli in Siaya among others. Further we have planted trees in Kona Baridi and Kimana areas in Kajiado County, St. Joseph’s Tigithi Boys High School in Naromoru, Laikipia County, Enchoro-Engai and Isineti Primary Schools in Kajiado
Through these initiatives, we have achieved water catchment restoration, flood-plain rehabilitation, institutional greening, rehabilitation and afforestation, riparian protection and school environment enhancement. Other key outcomes include enhanced vegetation cover in targeted flood control and catchment areas, improved awareness on environmental conservation among schoolchildren and local communities, strengthened institutional collaboration in the implementation of greening initiatives and direct contribution to the national tree-growing and climate resilience agenda.
The success of the tree planting activities was made possible through strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement with local communities, school administrations, teachers, and student/pupils, Kenya Forest Service and County Environment Officers. These partnerships ensured active participation, shared ownership, and environmental education at all levels.
