Kisumu: Climate change is now a concern for every government and community in general in modern times, due to severe devastation witnessed not just in one country but in the entire world. Climate change has been brought about by unsustainable destruction of the environment through pollution, industrial emissions, and cutting down of trees, and the negative impact of this destruction has had devastating effects not only on human lives but also on flora and fauna.
According to Kenya News Agency, climate change refers to a long-term shift or variation in weather patterns and temperatures. For several years now, Kenya has continued to experience unprecedented drought, floods, heat waves, or extreme cold weather with devastating effects on humans, livestock, crops, and wildlife. Floods and related landslides claimed 47 lives in 2025, including a significant landslide in the Kerio Valley. The drought in the same year led to severe food insecurity affecting over 1.5 million people.
In 2026, the situation worsened, with floods and landslides killing at least 128 people during severe seasonal downpours. Official records lack specific fatality numbers for droughts, but data from the Kenya Red Cross indicated that between 2.1 and 3.3 million people faced acute hunger, with hundreds of thousands suffering from malnutrition, and substantial livestock losses.
The government has acknowledged these effects and proposed an ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2030 to mitigate climate change. Trees are viewed as crucial in restoring the environment and protecting the future as temperatures rise, rainfall becomes unpredictable, and environmental degradation persists.
Kenya’s national forest cover stands at 8.8 percent, below the 10 percent constitutional target, with total tree cover at 12.13 percent. The government has encouraged tree planting and plans to plant billions of trees by 2030. President Ruto initiated a national tree planting campaign in 2022 with the goal of increasing tree cover to over 30 percent.
This initiative has created opportunities for individuals like Alfred Mahonga, a 48-year-old tree nursery operator in Kisumu, who has turned his passion for plants into a thriving business. Mahonga, who has been in the business for nearly 20 years, sells various trees and flowers, including palm trees and azaleas. He buys young trees at Sh30 and sells them for Sh300 when fully grown, earning up to Sh5,000 on a good day.
Mahonga’s business requires dedication and daily attention to maintain the health of the plants. Despite challenges such as theft, excessive sunlight, and heavy rainfall, his business thrives, providing for his family. He encourages people to plant and care for trees, emphasizing their environmental and economic benefits.
With the concerted efforts of individuals like Mahonga and government initiatives, Kenya aims to combat climate change and achieve sustainable environmental conservation.
