Kenya is taking a bold leap towards environmental stewardship by designating November 13th as Nationwide Tree Planting Day. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Kenyan government is setting out to grow an impressive 15 billion trees, striving for a 30% tree cover by 2032 to restore deforested areas, counteract environmental degradation and combat the effects of climate change.

Global Forest Watch statistics reveal that from 2002 to 2022, Kenya lost 50.7 kha of humid primary forest, constituting 14% of its total tree cover loss. The humid primary forest area in Kenya decreased by 7.8% during this period, prompting the government to aggressively take the initiative to restore the deforested areas.

This ambitious tree-planting agenda goes beyond mere numbers—it’s a strategic move to rejuvenate degraded landscapes and ecosystems. With climate change posing significant challenges, the government’s plan is a proactive measure to mitigate its adverse effects. The initiative is intricately linked with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on enhancing livelihoods throughout the entire tree-growing value chain.

Kenya’s commitment to plant 15 billion trees is a monumental stride towards environmental sustainability, considering the current threats of climate change and deforestation. To ensure the success of this endeavour, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry is prioritising collaboration with local communities, the private sector, and non-state actors. This inclusive approach actively involves those directly impacted by environmental changes, recognizing the vital role of community participation.

The national launch of this initiative is scheduled to take place at Kiu Wetland in Makindu, Makueni County, on Monday, November 13th, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. Underlining the significance of this environmental commitment, the launch will be presided over by President William Ruto. His involvement underscores the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and emphasises the collective effort required to achieve the tree-planting goals.

Kenya’s dedication to environmental conservation takes a step further as the ministry urges citizens participating in the National Tree Growing Day on November 13th to utilize the Jaza Miti App, available on Google PlayStore. This innovative app serves as a crucial tool in tracking the monumental journey of growing 15 billion trees.

The inclusion of technology in this endeavour highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By encouraging citizens to record their tree-planting activities on the Jaza Miti App, the ministry aims to create a comprehensive and real-time record of the progress made in achieving the ambitious 15 billion tree goal.

This tech-savvy approach not only enhances the efficiency of monitoring but also promotes a sense of collective responsibility. Through the app, individuals, communities, and organisations actively contribute to the success of the tree-planting initiative. It becomes a shared journey where everyone is accountable.

Kenya’s declaration of November 13th as Nationwide Tree Planting Day signifies a profound commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.