A total of 3.27 million trees have been recorded through the Jaza Miti national tree-growing platform in Kenya, but their survival is threatened by financing gaps and high maintenance costs. The Tree Adoption Foundation (TAF) says that planting seedlings is only the beginning, and sustained investment is needed to ensure they mature. Prolonged dry seasons, transportation, watering, monitoring, and maintenance add to the cost of large-scale tree-growing programmes.
TAF founder and CEO Fanuel Boaz Onyango emphasized that the focus should shift from the number of trees planted to their survival and contribution to communities. He stated that the responsibility of tree planting does not end when a seedling is placed in the ground, but rather when the tree has matured and is providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities.
According to TAF, conservation efforts require stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, communities, and development partners. Onyango noted that planting millions of trees is important, but ensuring their survival requires continued investment and community involvement. The foundation works with communities, schools, businesses, and government agencies on tree growing, forest and wetland restoration, water conservation, biodiversity protection, renewable energy, and sustainable livelihoods.
At Lake Kanyaboli in Siaya County, TAF is implementing a wider ecosystem restoration programme covering the lake, beaches, biodiversity, fishing communities, sanitation, clean water, renewable energy, and livelihoods. This programme aims to link environmental conservation with economic opportunities, encouraging communities to protect restored ecosystems.
Onyango stated that the foundation's belief is that climate action must also improve people's lives. By providing economic benefits to communities, TAF hopes to encourage communities to take ownership of environmental conservation efforts. The foundation has undertaken environmental activities in counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Siaya.
TAF plans to expand its programmes to all 47 counties in Kenya, with schools and communities at the centre of its conservation efforts. The foundation works closely with local communities to ensure that tree planting efforts are sustainable and beneficial to the environment and local people.
The Tree Adoption Foundation's efforts to promote sustainable environmental conservation in Kenya have been ongoing, with a focus on community-led conservation initiatives. As the foundation continues to expand its programmes, it is likely to make a significant impact on environmental conservation in the country.
Key points
- Financing gaps and high maintenance costs threaten the survival of millions of newly planted trees in Kenya.
- The Tree Adoption Foundation is working to promote sustainable environmental conservation in Kenya through community-led conservation initiatives.
- The foundation plans to expand its programmes to all 47 counties in Kenya, with a focus on schools and communities.
