15BN Tree Towards 30% National Tree Cover

Tree Seed Market Frustration

Upon the launching of the Tree Growing and Forest Restoration Campaign by the president H.E William Samoei Ruto towards attainment of 30% national tree cover, a good number of Kenyans and environmental organizations seized the opportunity to grow trees to serve the increased demand of tree seedlings. Happy with the presidential ambitious plan to have 15 billion trees grown by the year 2032, hardworking citizens rolled their sleeves to produce tree seedlings.

Today, Wednesday 12th March 2025, Dedan Kimathi Foundation environment conservation team spent the better of their day at Ngoci Tree Nursery in Embu East, Embu County. The nursery, a partner of the foundation in its conservation agenda, is a complete reflection of Kenyan’s unwavering support to the national call to Climate Action for reduced climate change negative effects.

Despite the call to increased tree growing activities by the government , the tree nursery owner and manager Mr. Ngoci expressed his frustration to lack of buyers. Beyond his optimism, the more than 300, 000 plantable assorted tree seedlings at the nursery makes him despair.

He calls out tree growers in Embu County and beyond to reach out to purchase high quality exotic tree species such as Grivellia robusta (Silky oak), Casuarina equisetifolia (Whistling pine), Eucalyptus saligna (Bluegum), Pinus patula (pine) and Cuppressus lusitannica (cypress) besides high value indigenous trees such as Moringa Oloifera, Cordia africana and Markhamia lutea for conservation purposes. Grafted avocados, mangoes, pixies, apples, loquats, passion and macadamia enlist in the wide variety of fruit trees propagated at the nursery for commercial uses while palms and flowers serve ornamental purposes.

Together with Dedan Kimathi Foundation, the nursery management has identified a number of suitable public sites in need of tree seedlings to play their role in climate change mitigation.