Tharaka Nithi County ‘Adopt a Tree’ Long Rains Edition

A Region in Need

Addressing Water Scarcity and Deforestation

Tharaka Nithi County is facing severe water scarcity and soil degradation, worsened by rampant deforestation driven by charcoal burning as an alternative source of income. The urgent need for sustainable tree growing in the region cannot be overstated. With tree cover declining rapidly, the county has become a focal point for environmental intervention to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

As a national conservation champion, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation remains committed to strengthening partnerships that drive environmental action in Tharaka Nithi. In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and local learning institutions, the Foundation has launched the second tree growing initiative of the year — targeting the planting of 10,000 trees in just two days.

Purposeful Tree Growing in Schools

The tree growing activities began on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Mwerera Comprehensive School in Tharaka South. Mr. Festus Too, the KFS Forester in charge of Tharaka North and South, emphasized the importance of purposeful tree planting. He urged schools to ensure that the number of seedlings planted matches the number of trees that survive. Heads of the participating institutions assured him of high survival rates, supported by reliable water sources, proper fencing, and aftercare arrangements to sustain the trees until schools reopen and learners can adopt them.

5000 Trees Planted in Four Schools

A total of 5,000 assorted trees were planted on day one across four institutions: Mwerera, Makomango, and Ndaruuni Comprehensive Schools, as well as the Kenya Medical Training College in Marimanti. The tree species included Azadirachta indica (Neem), Moringa oleifera (Moringa), Senna siamea, and Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) — all carefully selected for their suitability to the region’s hot and dry climate.

Strengthening Partnerships for a Greener Future

Representing the Foundation CEO Ms. Evelyn Kimathi, Mr. Dickson Maina, the Foundation’s Environment Team Leader, praised the collaboration with KFS, local schools, NGAOs, and the County Department of Education. He noted that these partnerships create an enabling environment for more people to participate in environmental conservation through tree growing.

Why Tree Growing Matters in Hot Climates

Tree growing in arid regions like Tharaka Nithi is a transformative activity. It improves food security by converting drylands into arable land, provides shade that cools the soil for crop production, and prevents soil erosion. Additionally, trees help preserve biodiversity, support local economies through the sale of forest products, and promote rainfall by increasing transpiration and suppressing weed growth.

Trees as a Legacy

Trees are essential pillars of environmental conservation. Planting and nurturing them is not just an act of responsibility but an investment in the wellbeing of current and future generations. In the face of climate change and food insecurity, trees are truly a ‘must grow’ for every responsible citizen.