World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in partnership with Kenya Forest Services (KFS) has commissioned a modern office for Loitoktok Forest station in Loitoktok sub-county in Kajiado county that cost Sh23 million.
The modern office has a sanitation block and a water borehole that will enable the station to establish 2 million tree seedlings nursery
While commissioning the office, KFS National Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko appreciated WWF for the good gesture shown to Loitoktok Forest Station by fast-tracking the construction of the modern office.
“Initially the Loitoktok Forest station had less than 100, 000 tree seedlings but currently stands at 500, 000 and with the availability of water from the borehole the station has a capacity of establishing 2 million seedlings,” Lemarkoko said.
Lemarkoko noted the Loitoktok Forest station in Loitoktok now has the biggest borehole with the highest volume of water, 52 cubic meters, which will boost tree establishment not only in Kajiado but countrywide.
He reiterated that with the boost from WWF the KFS in Loitoktok Sub County is now readily committed to achieving the president’s directive of planting 1.5 billion trees annually.
Lemarkoko stressed the importance of community participation in forest conservation and announced plans for ecotourism initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness within the region.
To ensure transparency and accountability, there is a monitoring app that officers in charge of stations must use to track the progress of the seedlings.
Head of Conservation Programmes, WWF-Kenya, Jackson Kiplang’at said WWF is partnering with government agencies such as KFS across the country for the wellbeing of the citizens.
Kiplang’at further urged the Loitoktok Forest station to utilize the offices and boreholes towards enhancing tree nurseries citing that the station now has a capacity of establishing about 2 million seedlings hence contributing to the government target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
He challenged the station to engage other like-minded well-wishers for support in meeting their targets.
He however noted the main challenges facing forest stations as lack of water for nurturing trees as well as matters relating to management.
By Lavinia Nungari and Kimani Tirus
