Loitoktok: The State Department for Wildlife has intensified its efforts to restore degraded forest ecosystems with the launch of a tree-growing initiative at Loitoktok Forest in Kajiado County. During the exercise, Director Administration Vincent Ongere announced that the Department had planted 10,000 tree seedlings at the site, just three weeks after a similar exercise that saw an equal number planted.
According to Kenya News Agency, these consecutive activities demonstrate a deliberate push to accelerate forest restoration, capitalizing on the ongoing favourable weather conditions. Ongere emphasized the shift from tree planting to tree growing, highlighting that the survival and maturity of trees are critical to achieving long-term environmental and economic benefits. “Tree growing is about ensuring that what we plant today survives to maturity and continues to support our ecosystems,” he stated.
Loitoktok Forest serves as a vital ecological asset within the Amboseli ecosystem, acting as a key wildlife corridor linking Amboseli National Park to the Chyulu Hills, the Tsavo landscape, and further into Tanzania. Conservationists note that this connectivity allows for wildlife movement and dispersal, essential for maintaining healthy animal populations. Furthermore, the forest functions as a crucial water catchment area, sustaining rivers and springs that support both local communities and biodiversity. Environmental experts stress that restoring such landscapes is key to mitigating the effects of climate change.
The initiative is part of the Government’s broader plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, an ambitious target aimed at increasing the country’s forest cover to 30 per cent and enhancing climate resilience. However, officials acknowledge that more effort is needed to meet the target within the set timelines. Ongere commended the local community for their active participation in forest conservation through the Community Forest Association (CFA), describing community involvement as central to the success of restoration programmes. He also praised the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) for mobilizing residents and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for their continuous efforts in protecting forests from encroachment and illegal activities.
Despite the progress, Ongere expressed concern over emerging threats such as improper waste disposal, warning that unchecked dumping could degrade the forest and contaminate water sources if not addressed early. The Department reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to restore critical ecosystems while promoting human-wildlife coexistence. As restoration efforts gain momentum, officials remain optimistic that sustained tree growing, coupled with strong community partnerships, will transform Loitoktok Forest into a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity, tourism, and local livelihoods.
