By Josiah Kariuki
A joint technical team on Friday conducted field assessments of key forest restoration sites in Kisii County ahead of the national tree growing exercise.
The team, comprised officers from the Ministry of Information, Communications, Broadcasting and the Digital Economy led by Stephen Nyakundi, and Kenya Forest Service officials under Kisii Forest Officer William Ojijo.
They inspected two strategic sites: Ndonyo Hill and Nyangweta Forest Station.
The exercise is part of inter-agency efforts to ensure local implementation aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental restoration agenda.
At Ndonyo Hill, 4.5 hectares have been allocated for tree planting, while 2.5 hectares have been earmarked at Nyangweta Forest Station.
Both sites are under the guidance of forest officer Susan Koina, who provided technical insights on ecological significance and practical restoration considerations.
The team also planted assorted indigenous trees, marking the start of restoration activities.
Indigenous species are critical for supporting native biodiversity, restoring ecological balance, and ensuring long-term forest resilience.
The field visit supports Kenya’s National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
The initiative seeks to combat climate change, restore degraded landscapes, protect water catchments, and expand the country’s tree cover.
By mobilizing government agencies, communities, schools, and the private sector, the campaign promotes tree growing as a sustained civic responsibility rather than a one-time effort.
Kenya intends to translate environmental policy into tangible local action, emphasizing coordinated planning, community participation, and long-term ecological stewardship.
-Kariuki Volunteers for KPC.