State launches model tree nursery to boost Tsavo forest cover

Principal Secretary Ministry of Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo launched a model tree nursery under the Tsavo Restoration Initiative at Izera Ranch in Voi Subcounty, Taita Taveta, on Saturday.  

The initiative marks a significant boost to Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 aimed at combating the growing threats of climate change.

During the event, Omollo emphasised the vital role of reforestation in mitigating the effects of climate change for environmental preservation and national security.

He said the effects of environmental degradation like drought and floods have fuelled competition over resources, leading to conflicts that threaten the stability of vulnerable communities.

“Our security is tied directly to the health of our ecosystems. The conflicts we see over water, land, and other resources are clear indicators of the environmental challenges we face.

"By addressing these issues through projects like this tree nursery, we are not only protecting our environment but also safeguarding our future,” Omollo said.

He highlighted the role of grassroots leaders such as chiefs and village elders, who will coordinate the distribution and planting of seedlings.

"Beyond their involvement in this initiative, these leaders play a vital role in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts in their communities.

“We are not just deploying them to support this tree growing campaign, they have been involved in other efforts such as illicit brew and ensuring all children are taken to school,” he said.

The model tree nursery is a key part of President William Ruto's larger vision to restore the country’s forest cover through public-private partnerships.

Omollo highlighted the importance of involving local communities, with grassroots leaders playing a central role in coordinating the distribution and planting of seedlings across Taita Taveta and beyond.

“We are focusing on the grassroots because that’s where meaningful change happens. Chiefs and village elders will oversee the nurturing of these seedlings, ensuring they reach maturity,” he added.

In his remarks, he addressed ongoing challenges faced by Taita Taveta residents, particularly concerning boda boda operators.

He assured residents that discussions with local leaders and MPs were underway to resolve security concerns, saying administrative issues raised by local leaders were also being looked into.

“To further strengthen this initiative, I intend to meet with the Tsavo Heritage Foundation Secretariat to explore partnerships with the state department.

"National administration officers can coordinate the community-driven seedling propagation, planting, tracking efforts, and ensuring the seedlings provided reach maturity and contribute to the national tree growing goal,” Omollo said.

He emphasised the need for strong public-private partnerships to scale up seedling production and meet the ambitious national targets.

Omollo lauded the collaboration between the Taita Taveta County government, the local Chamber of Commerce, and community members, saying such partnerships are key to sustaining reforestation efforts.

“As we embark on this journey, it’s clear that no single entity can do it alone. We need the private sector, the community, and all levels of government working together to make this a reality as  Taita Taveta has set an example for the rest of the country," Omollo said.

Governor Andrew Mwadime, who was present at the launch, praised the initiative as a transformative opportunity for the county.

He emphasised the need for such efforts to integrate with local conservation programs and eco-tourism projects, positioning Taita Taveta as a model for other regions.

“This initiative is not just about tree planting, it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods for our people. Taita Taveta has a unique biodiversity, and such conservation efforts will have a lasting impact on both the environment and our economy,” Governor Mwadime said.

He said his administration is fully committed to supporting the project, and Taita Taveta's strategic location near Tsavo National Park makes it critical for Kenya’s overall conservation efforts.

Taita Taveta County Commissioner Josephine Onunga reiterated the importance of community involvement, urging residents to take ownership of the project.

The Commissioner said while the national government is providing the framework and resources, the success of the initiative lies in the hands of the people.

“This tree nursery is a gift to the community, but it is up to all of us to ensure it thrives. We must come together, young and old, to protect our environment and secure a better future for generations to come,” Onunga said.

She pledged to work closely with grassroots leaders to ensure the initiative’s success, highlighting that local training programs will be introduced to educate residents on the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation.

Also present at the event was Brigadier Joakim Mwamburi representing the Chief of Defence Forces, who reiterated the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) long-term commitment to environmental conservation.

Brigadier Mwamburi said the KDF, through its ‘Environment Soldier Programme,’ has planted over 30 million trees nationwide and plans to produce 800 million seedlings over the next decade.

“KDF is tasked with producing 800 million seedlings in the next 10 years, representing 3% of the national target of 15 billion trees,” Brigadier Mwamburi said.

“Climate change is the unseen enemy we must all combat. Our work in planting trees is part of a larger effort to restore Kenya’s ecosystems and ensure the future of our nation,” he said.

Brigadier Mwamburi said the Tsavo ecosystem, which covers nearly half of Kenya's protected areas, is particularly important for conservation efforts, making the launch of the tree nursery at Izera Ranch a significant milestone.

Mwamburi lauded the community and stakeholders involved in the initiative, emphasising the importance of joint efforts in combating climate change.