The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Thursday planted more than 10,000 trees in a campaign aimed at achieving President William Ruto’s 15 billion trees.
Kenya’s environmental conservation efforts is shifting from simply planting trees to ensuring they grow and thrive, following the presidential directive aimed at long-term forest restoration and climate resilience.
In response to this call, AFA has set an ambitious target of growing 1.2 million trees by the end of the current financial year.
Besides the 10,000 trees at Meru University, the authority also led in planting more trees at Kaaga girls’ high school and Kaaga boys’ high school in Meru County as part of this national effort.
AFA assistant Director of Regulations and Compliance Oscar Kasingo said they were emphasizing the importance of moving beyond symbolic tree planting exercises, advocating for sustained care that allows trees to reach maturity.
“This approach recognizes tree growing as not only a national responsibility but also a personal and community commitment. Besides enhancing biodiversity and contributing to climate mitigation, growing trees particularly fruit trees can also improve nutrition and food security,” he said.
He stressed the importance of not only increasing forest cover but also nurturing trees to maturity.
“Tree growing goes beyond national interest; it is a personal responsibility. Trees not only make the Earth a safer place but also enhance our diets, especially with the planting of fruit trees,” Kasingo said.
Meru University’s Prof Eustus Mwenda, who represented the VC, said the institution already has eighty acres under tree cover.
“We are fully aligned with the President’s vision of growing 15 billion trees by the year 2032. As a university, we are committed to expanding our efforts and setting an example in sustainable environmental practices,” he stated.
Kasingo said the involvement of government agencies, educational institutions, and local communities, will ensure timely realisation of the greening agenda.
