CS Chirchir Urges State to Declare Another National Tree Planting Day After Rains Fail

CS Chirchir Urges State to Declare Another National Tree Planting Day After Rains Fail

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has urged the government to organise another National Tree Planting Day after the expected El Niño rains failed to materialise, disrupting environmental conservation activities across Kenya.

Chirchir said the dry conditions affected this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations, making it difficult for Kericho County to achieve its target of planting 300,000 trees.

Speaking at Makutano Forest in Kipkelion East Constituency on Sunday, October 11, the CS said he would ask Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa to consider scheduling another nationwide tree-planting exercise.

He said the additional exercise would help the country maintain progress towards its ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

“I will ask my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Deborah Barasa, to give us another day nationally so that we can continue striving towards our target of planting the 15 billion trees,” Chirchir stated.

Chirchir Explains Why Kenya Needs Another Tree Planting Day

Chirchir explained that Kericho County had planned to plant 300,000 trees within one hour as part of the national environmental conservation campaign.

However, unfavourable weather conditions disrupted the exercise, raising concerns about the progress of tree-planting initiatives in areas experiencing dry spells.

The CS maintained that the country should continue pursuing its environmental restoration goals despite weather-related challenges.

Kenya observes Mazingira Day on October 10 as a gazetted public holiday dedicated to environmental conservation. Activities associated with the day include tree planting, waste management and public awareness campaigns.

Chirchir’s proposal would require consideration by the Environment Ministry before any additional nationwide exercise could be organised. A separate public holiday would also require the relevant official arrangements.

Ruto Announces New Measures to Boost Tree Planting

The proposal comes as President William Ruto’s administration intensifies efforts to achieve the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

During this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations, Ruto announced plans to introduce aerial seeding in cleared and mapped forest areas as part of efforts to restore degraded landscapes.

The President also said 15,000 National Youth Service (NYS) personnel would work with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to increase annual seedling production to at least two billion.

The government further plans to establish 17 mega tree nurseries, each with the capacity to produce 25 million seedlings.

According to the figures provided during the celebrations, approximately 5.3 million trees were planted nationwide during the exercise.

The measures are intended to expand access to seedlings, support forest rehabilitation and increase tree cover as the country works towards its long-term environmental objectives.

Aberdare Logging Raises Environmental Concerns

The renewed tree-planting campaign also comes amid public concern over commercial logging in parts of the Aberdare Forest.

Reports of heavy lorries transporting timber from Geta and Njabini Kiburu forest stations have raised questions about forest management and the protection of critical water catchment areas.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has criticised the scale of logging, warning that forest degradation could threaten water security, agricultural activities and rural infrastructure.

Residents and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia have also challenged the reported operations, adding to calls for stronger scrutiny of activities within protected forest areas.

The concerns highlight the importance of balancing timber-related activities with forest conservation and the protection of natural resources.

Government Pursues 15 Billion Trees Target

Kenya’s tree-planting programme is part of a broader strategy to restore degraded land, rehabilitate forests and strengthen resilience to climate change.

However, achieving the 2032 target will depend on sustained planting efforts, seedling availability, favourable growing conditions and the survival of trees after planting.

Chirchir’s request for another National Tree Planting Day therefore places renewed attention on the role of public participation and coordinated government action in environmental restoration.

The Environment Ministry is expected to consider the proposal before any additional nationwide tree-planting date is announced.

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CS Chirchir Urges State to Declare Another National Tree Planting Day After Rains Fail