Restoring degraded landscapes: Kenya’s path to 15 billion trees national target

In a significant step toward tackling deforestation and climate change, Kenya marked this year’s International Day of Forests with a renewed call to restore degraded landscapes and accelerate efforts to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

The celebrations, held at Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County on March 21, brought together national and county leaders, development partners, and conservation organizations united in their commitment to forest restoration.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Aden Duale, emphasized the pivotal role that forests play in national development. He noted that forests not only safeguard biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services but are also key to ensuring food security and creating green jobs. The Cabinet Secretary called for concerted efforts from both public and private sectors, urging Kenyans and development partners to make the most of the current long rains to accelerate tree planting across the country.

Since the launch of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, approximately 766.3 million trees have been planted nationwide. Bomet County has emerged as a model of success, achieving 26.78 percent tree cover and planting over 13 million trees annually. 

To fight forest degradation, the government is implementing additional measures such as fencing off public forests to prevent encroachment and strengthening the Green Zones Development Programme to build community resilience. Ongoing legal reforms, including amendments to the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, and the Draft Climate Change (Non-Market Approaches) Regulation 2025, are also paving the way for stronger forest restoration.

Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok reaffirmed the county’s commitment to environmental conservation. He said that Bomet had allocated county resources to support forest restoration, while empowering local communities through initiatives such as beekeeping and strengthening of Community Forest Associations. The governor also stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, noting that efforts to rehabilitate Chepalungu Forest were being supported by schools, community members, and the private sector.

WWF-Kenya played a key role in the day’s celebrations and ongoing restoration activities. During the event, Jackson Kiplagat, WWF-Kenya’s Head of Conservation Programmes, joined county and national leaders at Kapchumbe, Chepalungu Forest Station, where the organization donated 2,000 indigenous tree seedlings to aid restoration efforts at the degraded site. The occasion also marked the official handover of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy to the Bomet County government—a critical framework that guides the restoration and protection of forests across the country.

Developed with support from WWF-Germany, the strategy contributes directly to the national goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. Kiplagat noted that the strategy’s launch would support coordinated restoration efforts and encourage stronger partnerships.

“WWF-Kenya is committed to working hand in hand with communities, stakeholders, and the government to restore our forests and achieve the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees. Together, we can secure a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Kiplagat.

To strengthen long-term impact on the ground, WWF-Kenya has also made tangible investments in Chepalungu Forest. The organization has constructed two fully equipped ranger posts with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems to ensure sustainability and reliable water supply. It has also fenced five kilometers of forest land to protect young seedlings from livestock grazing, improving their chances of survival. In addition, WWF-Kenya donated three motorbikes—two to the Apex Chepalungu Community Forest Association and one to the Kenya Forest Service—to support forest patrols and monitoring.

These efforts are helping to secure one of Kenya’s most critical ecosystems while supporting livelihoods and strengthening community-led conservation. As the nation pushes toward its 15 billion tree goal, partnerships like these demonstrate the power of collective action in restoring landscapes, building climate resilience, and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

By Anthony Diang'a--Senior Communications Officer--Marketing and Graphic Design