Gov't: Kenya has planted 1.8 bn trees under Ruto's greening plan

By Charles Wasonga

The government has revealed that it has so far planted 1.8 billion trees under the Presidential 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, which aims to increase the country’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.

The programme was launched on November 22, 2022.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi added that the department intends to plant more than 2.5 billion additional trees during the anticipated El Niño rainy season.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at a Nairobi hotel after addressing a high-level breakfast meeting that brought together government officials, development partners and key stakeholders in the forestry sector, Mr Mugambi said the department already has enough seedlings for the exercise.

The forum was convened to enable government officials, stakeholders and donors to explore strategic investment opportunities in the forest sector in furtherance of the greening agenda being pursued by President William Ruto’s administration.

1.8 billion trees planted

“So far we have planted 1.8 billion trees and intend to plant 2.5 billion more during the El Niño rains, which we are told are in the offing. We in the Department of Forestry call on stakeholders, our donors and Kenyans at large to support this initiative since planting trees is everyone’s responsibility,” Mr Mugambi explained.

The PS called on the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the department’s research arm, to move beyond generating concepts and focus on practical action by helping nurture the trees that have already been planted.

“We need action. If we are conserving mangroves, let’s do it. For our experts in Kenya, this is not the time to churn out concepts and ideas, but to act. Let’s nurture the trees that we have planted so far,” Mr Mugambi said.

He appreciated the work being done through the “Jaza Miti” app, which was created to monitor the growth of planted tree seedlings, but insisted that everyone should physically monitor the progress of the trees on the ground.

Projects in gazetted forests to continue

At the same time, PS Mugambi reiterated that the government will continue implementing development projects in gazetted forests.

“Conservation efforts need to go hand in hand with development projects. In that respect, projects like Talanta Stadium will continue in part of Nairobi National Park amid opposition from some groups of conservationists,” he said.

Last month, PS Mugambi stirred controversy when he insisted that the government would proceed with plans to construct an airstrip, golf course and State lodge in Imenti Forest in Meru County despite opposition from some residents and forest conservation groups.

The High Court in Meru also stopped the project pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the initiative.