A total of 40,000 tree seedlings have been planted in the Elgeyo Marakwet Forest Block, following a large-scale afforestation exercise led by Keiyo North Member of Parliament Adams Kipsanai.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Keiyo North NG-CDF team, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) personnel, and Community Forest Association (CFA) members from Kamoi Location, is part of a broader ecosystem restoration programme, targeting degraded forest areas within the Elgeyo Marakwet escarpment.
The exercise aims to enhance forest cover, boost carbon sequestration, and mitigate the impacts of climate variability and change, while promoting sustainable environmental management practices.
Speaking during the exercise, Kipsanai emphasised the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in achieving environmental conservation goals.
“Today, together with the Keiyo North NG-CDF team, Kenya Forest Service officials, and Community Forest Association members, we have undertaken a significant intervention by planting 40,000 trees in the Elgeyo Marakwet forest block,” he said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the national afforestation and reforestation agenda under the Presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees across the country by 2032.
“This exercise contributes directly to the national target and supports efforts to rehabilitate degraded landscapes, improve biodiversity, and strengthen watershed protection,” Kipsanai added.
Technical officers from the Kenya Forest Service indicated that the exercise adhered to recommended silvicultural practices to ensure sustainability and long-term ecological benefits. These included proper species selection, appropriate spacing, and prioritisation of indigenous tree varieties suited to the local ecosystem.
“The selection of species and planting methods was carefully done to promote ecological resilience and ensure high survival rates,” a KFS officer noted.
Kipsanai reiterated his commitment to promoting climate-smart development initiatives within the Constituency, stressing the need to balance environmental conservation with the socio-economic needs of communities living near forest areas.
“I remain committed to advancing conservation efforts while safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of the communities that depend on these ecosystems,” he said.
The afforestation exercise is expected to enhance key ecosystem services, including soil stabilisation, improved water catchment, and increased carbon storage capacity within the forest block.
Stakeholders also underscored the importance of post-planting management practices such as regular monitoring, maintenance, and protection of seedlings to ensure their survival and long-term impact.
Kipsanai noted that such initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on decentralised climate action, with Sub-county level institutions playing a critical role in achieving both national and global environmental sustainability targets.
He urged residents to take an active role in protecting the newly planted trees and to embrace environmental conservation as a shared responsibility.
The exercise brought together local residents, environmental stakeholders, and government agencies, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing climate change and restoring degraded ecosystems.
By Rennish Okong’o
