The CS for Environment Deborah Mulongo has disclosed that Once Acre Fund(Tupande) a non-governmental organization is in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, 97 million trees being in preparation for planting across the Country.
The tree seedlings are distributed to over 1.4million farmers and 3,700 institutions .
Speaking during the Tupande tree growing initiative at Ikonyero primary school in Kakamega the CS said the move exemplifies effectively through collaboration with Small scale farmers to advance the government’s agenda
“This quantity is not just a number, it is a legacy taking shape.” She declared, adding that by the end of this year Tupande is on track to increase that figure to 150 million trees.
Tupande nursery propagates up to 20 indigenous exotic and fruit tree species, the 330 tree nurseries are spread across 34 Counties a network that reflects the breath of the effort.
Remarkably, 25 percent of the nurseries are owned and operated by women providing that this movement is also about empowerment equity and opportunity.
Bringing the conversation closer to home Kakamega County has a tree cover of 18.21 percent and a target of growing 20.86 million trees annually to achieve the 30 percent tree cover by 2032
She noted that the County has grown 21 million trees.
” This is no small task but is one met by unwavering determination.” The CS reaffirmed
At the national level on April 8, 2025 over 783 million trees were planted in Kenya from all walks of life from farmers, students, public servants and private sector partner’s
The private sector contribution demonstrated by Tupande shows the government the powers of partnership.
“These efforts compliments the government initiatives distributing and planting seedlings through KFS and national government initiatives”
She added;
” Our ambitious goal is to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. This is more than just a project, it is a promise to our children and a testament to a collective result to combat climate change, restore our ecosystem and secure a greener more prosperous Kenya.” She emphasized.
She celebrated a remarkable moment of the private sector in thriving the mission with a special spot light on the extra ordinary effort of One Acre Fund through its Kenya Programme Tupande.
Michelle Kagari One Acre Fund Manager said in 2024 Tupande distributed more than 55 million seedlings to more than 700,000 clients across the Country through a variety of channels including schools, hospitals, churches and direct farmer outreach.
“Our goal is to support farmers to plant trees within their parcels of land to reverse deforestation and reduce green house gases.” Kagari stated
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WESTERN NEWS EXPRESS. 