Meru Environmental Week Culmination

~KITHOKA FOREST BEAT VOLUNTARY TREE PLANTING

Launch of Tree-Growing Program in Meru County

Since the launch of a 20,000-tree growing program in Meru County on Easter Monday by Dedan Kimathi Foundation CEO, Ms. Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi, at Township DEB Primary School — where assorted foodstuffs were distributed to the Meru Mau Mau remnants and their descendants — the Foundation’s environment team has been camping in the county until today, Friday, 25th April 2025.

Climax of Tree Planting Activities at Kithoka Forest

At the peak of several planting exercises in public schools across Igembe and Imenti North, the team participated in a voluntary 30,000-tree growing activity at the Kithoka Forest Beat, part of the Meru Forest.
Organized by Mt. Kenya Trust Organization, this rehabilitative planting focused on indigenous species like:

  • Olea africana (African wild olive)
  • Prunus africana (African cherry)
  • Markhamia lutea (Nile tulip)
  • Juniperus procera (red cedar)
  • Syzygium guineense (waterberry)

For sustainability, Kithoka Community Forest Association members who cultivate these areas will nurture the young trees for approximately three years, ensuring high survival rates and mutual benefit for the forest service and nearby communities.

Success in Public Schools

The Foundation’s conservation team proudly forested 15 schools in both Igembe North and Imenti North Sub-counties, in partnership with Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
Through the ‘Adopt a Tree’ program, learners are being transformed into future tree growers. KFS has played a critical role by providing assorted exotic tree species to support this mission.

Community Involvement at Naari Location

Opening the week’s series of activities in Naari Location, Buuri East, Chief Roseline Kinya thanked the Foundation for their impactful support in advancing the national 15 Billion Tree Campaign. She pledged her commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the initiative through proper aftercare in the schools.

Collaborative Efforts in Schools and Communities

On Thursday, 24th April 2025, in collaboration with NGAO, school heads, parents, pupils, and community members, the team planted trees at:

  • Naari Location Chief’s Camp
  • Mujujune Comprehensive School
  • MCK Rugetene Day and Boarding Secondary School
  • Michaka Comprehensive School

Community members were also gifted Grevillea robusta and Casuarina equisetifolia seedlings for planting on their farms, promoting sustainable timber and wood production.

Emphasis on Tree Growing, Not Just Planting

The Foundation continues to champion a shift from tree planting to tree growing, focusing on actual tree survival and growth. This approach is vital for the success of Kenya’s broader climate change mitigation efforts.

Join Us in Greening Kenya!

Be part of this historic movement.
Plant, Grow, and Nurture a Tree Today.
Together, we can reverse the effects of climate change and secure a greener, healthier future!