BUSIA, Kenya — In a significant move to enhance forest cover, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) has embarked on an ambitious project to plant 2,000 indigenous tree seedlings across Busia County. The project’s kickoff was announced at an event held at Siteko Primary School, where 300 seedlings were planted to mark the official launch.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Busia County NGAAF Coordinator, the initiative aims to plant the remainder of the seedlings within the next two weeks, with the guidance of the Forest Conservator. The local forest conservator, Vitalis Osodo, highlighted the region’s low forest cover, currently at 7.8 percent, a slight increase from previous years due to improved tree planting efforts by the community. Osodo emphasized the importance of meeting the national directive to plant 15 billion seedlings across the country, with a target set for Busia County to contribute 4 million seedlings per year until 2032. This effort is part of a broader goal to achieve a 30 percent tree cover in the county, enhancing environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

The Kenya Forest Service, alongside other stakeholders, has partnered with the NGAAF for this tree planting drive, underscoring the collaborative effort to reach these ambitious targets. Despite challenges in securing necessary resources, the partnership marks a significant step towards environmental conservation in the region. Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga praised the initiative, particularly highlighting the involvement of the younger generation in tree planting activities. He emphasized the educational aspect of the project, aiming to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among local residents.

The commissioner also called on the community to actively participate in tree planting on their properties, taking advantage of the county’s conducive climate for tree growth. Furthermore, he issued a warning against negligence that leads to the destruction of newly planted seedlings by livestock, indicating that measures would be taken to protect the investment in the county’s environmental future.

This initiative represents a critical effort by local and national bodies to combat deforestation and promote sustainable environmental practices within Busia County, contributing to Kenya’s overall goal of increasing forest cover and combating climate change.