About 5,000 tree seedlings were planted in Maasai Mau Forest during the launch of Long Rains Tree Growing Season by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) countrywide under the theme of 15 billion trees by 2032.
Speaking during the launch in Maasai Mau Forest, the Narok County Forest Conservator, Daniel Mukung’ said 5,000 tree seedlings planted in Maasai Mau Forest Block were a collaboration between Paran Women’s Group and Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
Mukung said the site was chosen because it was invaded by squatters and was seriously degraded. In 2017–2018, those who were illegally occupying the forest were evicted, now they are trying to restore it.
Mukung said the Mau forest was divided into restoration blocks for ease of adoption by the partners who were interested in conservation. adding that a block is one kilometre square.
He added that so far, they have had over 136 blocks adding that they have done 48 blocks since 2019 up to date and the survival is quite impressive.
Mukung applauded the Eden restoration project where they adopted the largest number of blocks in the Mau forest adding that they had managed to do 16 out of the 56 blocks adopted.
Other partners who have adopted blocks in Maasai Mau Forest are KFS, which has adapted 8 blocks; Ministry of Energy, which has 2 blocks; Kenya Water Towers, 8 blocks and many others coming on board for adoption.
The conservator encouraged other partners who were interested in the conservation to come in and adopt blocks.
Mukung said the positive effect has been felt; water levels in the rivers have risen and animals that are endangered are back.
“As we speak, everybody is happy, and if we continue planting trees the positive impact is going to be felt more.” added Mukung’
The county forest conservators were leading the exercise in all 47 counties in collaboration with the county governments and national government officials.
By John Kaleke
