KFS begins drive to plant 16.8 million seedlings

The Kenya Forest Service on Saturday launched a tree planting drive in western Kenya that will see 16.8 million seedlings planted by 2022.

The agency also wants to increase plant cover to 900 hectares.

Western Conservancy boss John Wachihi said that 14.8 million seedlings will be planted on forest land and two million will be distributed to farmers.

The farmers will be allowed to cultivate on forest land where they will plant the seedlings alongside their crops.

CONSERVATION

The Kenya Forest Service partnered with county governments, residents and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) to carry out the exercise in Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, who officiated the launch at Shamiloli in Kakamega Forest, said that the forest has suffered massive destruction and the programme will help conserve it.

"This is our forest and we have to protect it. The government will ensure that the environment is protected," Mr Echesa, who also led in planting 8,000 seedlings on a five hectare land in the forest, said.

FARMERS

Mr Wachihi said 5,000 seedlings were planted in Busia, 16,800 seedlings on a 10-hectare plantation in Bungoma and 8,700 on a 5.3-hectare land in Vihiga.

Kalro had contributed 4,000 seedlings towards the initiative that is aimed at restoring Kakamega Forest.

"Ours is to help people grow what they want in their farms so that they don't encroach in the forest," Dr David Mbakaya, a senior research officer at Kalro, said.