Murang’a: As many regions across the country continue to receive above-average rainfall, tree planting initiatives are gaining momentum as Kenya targets planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Kenyans have been urged to take advantage of the favorable weather to plant more trees, focusing particularly on indigenous species with medicinal value.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call was made during Earth Day celebrations at the Kahumbu Hill Agro-Ecology Vocational Training and Skills Center. Here, Murang’a County, in partnership with the Institute for Culture and Ecology, launched an initiative to promote the planting of indigenous and medicinal trees. Murang’a County Executive Committee member for Devolution, Kiringai Kamau, noted that the program aligns with the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. “This is also part of efforts to conserve the environment and preserve traditional knowledge while also increasing forest cover,” he stated.
Institute for Culture and Ecology Director Dr. Elijah Kamau mentioned that the program will utilize technical and vocational institutions as centers for implementation. “We are working with vocational training centers to plant and nurture medicinal trees while also passing on traditional knowledge that is at risk of being lost,” he explained. He noted that the initiative will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also revive indigenous knowledge systems tied to herbal medicine and cultural heritage.
Kahumbu Ward Representative Isaac Njoroge emphasized the role of youth in the program. “Engaging young people in such initiatives helps address idleness and social challenges such as drug abuse while equipping them with practical skills for the future,” he remarked. “Let us protect indigenous and medicinal trees because these species remain vital to community health, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability,” he added.
Murang’a County Assembly Environment Committee Chairperson Diana Muthoni expressed the county’s commitment to expanding tree cover. “As a county, we are working towards increasing our forest cover while educating residents on the importance of planting and protecting trees,” she said. “We also urge the youth to embrace technical and vocational courses that equip them with practical skills for self-reliance, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods because being empowered with relevant skills is key to reducing unemployment levels in our country,” she added.
During the exercise, more than 200 indigenous and medicinal tree species were planted. Some of the medicinal trees planted include Prunus Africana, used in the treatment of prostate and stomach conditions, Warburgia ugandensis for chest ailments and colds, Croton megalocarpus for respiratory issues, and Kigelia Africana for treating skin conditions and infections. Participants were also educated on the impact of climate change on the economy, society, and health, and encouraged to adopt sustainable environmental practices while being guided through demonstrations on traditional farming practices. Additionally, over 80 students were enrolled in free computer training at the institution.
