Kajulu Forest is poised to become a premier eco-tourism destination.
This is after the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife selected the forest as the prime location for the launch of the nationwide 'one tourist one tree campaign'.
The aim is to transform the forest into a premier eco-tourism destination.
The launch was presided over by Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua on Tuesday.
Led by the Kenya Tourism Board, Kajulu Forest is poised to become the centre piece of eco-tourism in western Kenya, showcasing its rich biodiversity and ecological relevance of Indigenous trees.
This initiative encourages visitors to plant a tree, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Speaking during the launch, Ololtua emphasised that the tree-planting initiative aligns with the government's ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
He noted that the initiative will not only enhance Kenya's standing as a sustainable tourist destination but also positively impact local communities across the country.
“We are providing tourism stakeholders with an opportunity to position Kenya as a leading destination for eco-conscious travellers through this initiative,” Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei said.
“This partnership will not only improve Kenya’s green cover but also reinforce the industry's commitment to pursue sustainable practices that benefit local communities and ecosystems,” Chepkemei said.
She said KTB will allocate a portion of its marketing budget to promote eco-friendly facilities, including eco-lodges.
Similarly, KTB in collaboration with Eco-Tourism Kenya will co-host a Sustainable Travel Awards Contest.
This will be held as part of the annual Eco Warrior Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in sustainable tourism practices across the country.
“Kajulu Forest is more than a destination. It is a testament to nature’s resilience and a reason to embrace more dynamic environmental conservation," KTB said in a statement.
According to the board, once home to lost springs, the forest is now being revived, with indigenous trees preferred for the restoration of the unique ecosystem.
"The ongoing rehabilitation efforts hold the promise of enhanced wildlife habitats and more scenic views for hikers, birdwatchers, campers, and potential zip-line boardwalks."
The initiative takes place during UN’s World Tourism Week, an annual global event whose 2024 theme is “Tourism and Peace”.
The Kajulu eco-tourism initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the local community.