Kenya Forestry Services in collaboration with Kenya Defense Forces personnel from Kahawa Barracks on Thursday planted 20,000 indigenous tree seedlings across a tract of 20 hectares at Kinale Forest Station (Old Kijabe) in Kiambu County.
The exercise was presided over by KFS Head of Conservancy Central Highlands region Mr Samuel Ihure, together with Kiambu County Ecosystem Conservator Mr Paul Karanja, Kinale Forest Station Manager Mr Simon Mwema and Kenya Army Lt. Col Joseph Yator.
The tree planting activity is an annual exercise of the “Environmental Soldier Program” in which 25,000 tree seedlings were planted by the same group in 2020.
During the exercise, Mr Ihure acknowledged the suitability of the surrounding landscape for hiking and pointed out the importance of tree planting in the area to offer a favorable microclimate and future scenic appeal.
“This place is very suitable for hiking exercises and planting of the trees makes the forest a beautiful place thus giving it a scenic appeal,” added Ihure.
He also recognized the efforts made by Kenya Defense Forces through its greening program, in contributing to the attainment of 10 per cent forest cover by 2022.
Mr Paul Karanja noted the benefit that the trees will provide in preventing and mitigating landslides that are prevalent in the area.
The exercise was also conducted in partnership with Kinale Community Forest Association who play an integral role in the management of the trees in the area.
Trees contribute to global reforestation efforts, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate changes.
By Catherine Muindi
