The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has intensified its climate action initiatives in Taita Taveta County, leading large-scale tree-planting exercises at Iyale Forest and Mwambirwa Forest in Rong’e Juu, in support of the Presidential Directive to grow 15 billion trees and increase Kenya’s tree cover to 30 percent by 2032.
The exercises brought together local residents, community groups, county leadership, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers, and AFA staff, demonstrating a strong multi-stakeholder approach to environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration.
At Iyale Forest, AFA, in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service, planted 20,000 assorted forest trees, contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems, protection of critical water catchment areas, and promotion of climate-smart agriculture. Representing the Director General, Dr. Bruno Linyiru, OGW, Regional Coordination Director Mr. Benjamin Tito reaffirmed AFA’s commitment to advancing climate action from the grassroots level while aligning with national and global environmental goals.
Community members welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of sourcing seedlings from local and community-owned nurseries in future exercises, noting that such an approach would enhance livelihoods and strengthen community-led conservation efforts.
In Mwambirwa Forest, Rong’e Juu, AFA continued its tree-growing drive under its ongoing national programme aligned with the presidential directive. Representing the Director General, AFA Human Resource and Administration Director, Mr. Kibwana Mataka, encouraged residents to increase the cultivation of fruit trees, particularly avocado, which thrives in the region and offers significant economic and nutritional benefits.
Mr. Mataka reiterated AFA’s support for government-led efforts to combat climate change, rehabilitate environmentally strained areas, and promote sustainable, environmentally friendly agriculture through enhanced tree cover. During the exercise, participants planted assorted tree seedlings across designated forest blocks covering 375.5 hectares, further reinforcing long-term ecosystem recovery.
The Mwambirwa Forest activity was attended by representatives from the Taita Taveta County Senator’s Office, AFA Deputy Director Supply Chain Ms. Mary Mkamburi, area administrators, and Kenya Forest Service officers.
Through these coordinated tree-planting initiatives, AFA continues to demonstrate its leadership in environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development—transforming landscapes while empowering communities to play an active role in safeguarding Kenya’s natural resources.
