Murang’a Tree Nursery Attendants Appeal for Government Support in National Tree Planting Effort

MURANG’A, Kenya — Tree nursery attendants in Murang’a are urging the government to involve them more significantly in the country’s tree planting initiative, aiming to bolster efforts against climate change by planting over 10 million seedlings within five years.

According to Kenya News Agency, the attendants propose that government incentives could enable them to generate a larger quantity of seedlings needed for the expansive programme.

Currently, local consumers are hesitant to purchase seedlings due to price hikes, with costs rising above Sh50 each, attributed mainly to increased expenses for essential materials like polythene papers used in seedling propagation. Peter Maina, a nursery attendant, highlighted the price inflation for polythene papers, which has doubled, impacting the affordability of seedlings. He and his peers advocate for the Ministry of Environment to procure seedlings directly from local nurseries for distribution, thus ensuring a consistent and affordable supply for the public.

Jane Mwangi, another attendant, emphasized the urgency of preparing for the upcoming long rains, suggesting the government’s current reliance on Kenya Forest Service nurseries is insufficient for national needs. Local attendants and groups have the capacity to contribute significantly, she noted, urging for government engagement and support in lowering seedling prices through subsidies for essentials like manure and water.

The attendants also called on the Murang’a county government to provide access to piped water for nurseries, to alleviate reliance on increasingly scarce local stream water, especially during dry periods. This support could enhance seedling growth and availability, making tree planting more feasible for residents and aiding the county’s environmental sustainability goals.