The tree cover in forests and riparian areas in Meru has increased due to partnerships with local communities.
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) said the restoration was as a result of concerted efforts with Community Forest Associations (CFS) including farmers.
Meru Forest Conservator Wellington Ndaka said forest blocks under KFS in Meru are nearly 100,000 hectares.
However, Ndaka regretted that large areas of the forests had been depleted by illegal logging, invasive species, climate change, and other factors.
He said the communities had partnered with KFS and other stakeholders to sustain tree planting and conserve existing ones.
Since July 2023, the KFS, locals, and other partners have planted more than 15 million trees, and Ndaka revealed that the strategic plan of the KFS is to plant 370 million more trees in Meru in the next 10 years.
The tree cover in Meru now stands at 29 per cent, while the forest cover is 13 per cent which is more than the national average.
Speaking at Ruthumbi forest station in South Imenti during tree planting on Tuesday, Ndaka said the exercise targets nine forest blocks.
He explained that the Ruthumbi forest is the source of six rivers that sustain livelihoods in Meru, Kitui, Tana River, Mombasa, and other counties where the rivers flow, hence the tree planting was crucial.
“This is a very important ecosystem that supports people hence must be conserved,” he said.
Ndaka revealed that arrangements are underway to have KFS allow locals to grow crops for three years in parts of the forests, as they nurture trees, to improve the forest cover.
“This improves food security,” he said.
He said KFS and locals were now focused on planting indigenous trees in the restoration efforts.
“The aim is to restore so we can conserve the water resources,” he said.
KFS raised concern over dropping water levels in rivers Mutonga, Maara, Thingithu, and others in the region.
“We are also planting bamboo and fruit trees,” he said.
Njuri Ncheke elders and Kenya Tea Development Agency are other partners in tree planting.
Kionyoa Tea Factory Director Gerald Mbaabu said factories depend on trees for processing and were also taking part in the restoration efforts, besides improving roads in the localities.
Jonam Kinama, who represented EAC, Asals and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, said the ministry had spearheaded the planting of more than 1.1 million trees in Meru so far.
In her speech read by Mr Kinama, CS Askul said President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2030 embodies hope in the face of climate change challenges.
