MIKINDANI — In an ambitious move to expand forest cover along Kenya’s coastline, the State Department for Cabinet Affairs-Office of the Deputy President has initiated a mangrove planting project at Tudor Creek in Mikindani ward, Mombasa.

According to Kenya New Agency, Mombasa has a total forest cover of 4,233 hectares and a tree cover of 5,130 hectares, with mangroves accounting for just 1.1 percent of the forest type, significantly less than the 84 percent attributed to natural forests. Tudor Creek, recognized as Mombasa’s largest and sole forest, has suffered mangrove degradation due to urban development and human activities.

Leading the effort, Dr. Idriss Dokota, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, along with staff, local communities, and organizations, planted 10,000 mangrove propagules. “The main aim of our initiative here is to contribute to the 15 billion tree journey as stipulated by the President of this country. When he took power he was clear in his vision that he wanted to plant 15 billion trees in ten years,” Dr. Dokota stated during the event.

The selection of mangroves for planting was strategic, owing to their indigenous status and multiple benefits. “Mangroves can store carbon, offer economic benefits to communities, and support eco-tourism and cultural tourism due to their contribution to the cultural heritage of this area,” explained Dr. Dokota.

Rebecca Mung’ori, Deputy County Conservator of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), highlighted that since the launch of the 15 billion tree planting campaign, nine million trees have been planted in cooperation with various stakeholders including the Big Ship organization. She encouraged further environmental conservation efforts for mangroves through the establishment of nurseries, emphasizing the sustainable use of mangroves as critical fish breeding grounds.

Susan Akinyi, Head of Programs at BigShip Organization, outlined their role in supplementing government efforts by providing technical guidance on suitable mangrove species for Tudor Creek to combat climate change. “We monitor the trees we plant to ensure they grow sustainably and mature to their maximum age so that they can benefit the ecosystem, maintain ecological balance, and support the community,” Akinyi said.

Akinyi also noted the ecological significance of mangroves as natural barriers against storm surges and wind waves, as well as their role in enhancing the local biodiversity, which is crucial for the community predominantly engaged in fishing.