By Hilda Atika
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Deborah Mulongo, has announced that One Acre Fund (Tupande), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has planted an impressive 97 million trees across Kenya. The initiative has distributed tree seedlings to over 1.4 million farmers and 3,700 institutions, fostering a nationwide movement towards environmental restoration.
Speaking at the launch of the Tupande tree-planting initiative, Ms Mulongo highlighted the power of collaboration with small-scale farmers to advance the government’s sustainability goals. “This figure is not merely a statistic; it is a legacy taking root,” she declared. She added that Tupande is on track to increase the total to 150 million trees by the end of the year, a milestone that aligns with Kenya’s national target of achieving 30% tree cover by 2032.
The Tupande programme operates 330 tree nurseries across 34 counties, cultivating up to 20 species, including indigenous, exotic, and fruit trees. Notably, 25% of these nurseries are owned and managed by women, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to empowerment, equity, and opportunity.
In Kakamega County, which currently has 18.21% tree cover, the target is to plant 20.86 million trees annually to reach 30% by 2032. Ms Mulongo noted that the county has already planted 21 million trees, stating, “This is no small feat, but it has been met with unwavering determination.”
Nationally, on 8 April 2025, over 783 million trees were planted by Kenyans from all walks of life, including farmers, students, public servants, and private-sector partners. The significant contribution from organisations like Tupande demonstrates the strength of public-private partnerships.
“These efforts complement government initiatives, such as seedling distribution and planting through the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and other national programmes,” Ms Mulongo said. Speaking at Ikonyero Primary School, the Cabinet Secretary expressed optimism about the transformative vision. “Our ambitious goal is to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. This is more than a project—it is a promise to our children and a testament to our collective resolve to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and secure a greener, more prosperous Kenya,” she emphasised.
Ms Mulongo praised the private sector’s role, spotlighting One Acre Fund’s exceptional efforts through its Tupande programme. Michelle Kagari, One Acre Fund’s Kenya Programme Manager, revealed that, in 2024, Tupande distributed over 55 million seedlings to more than 700,000 clients through schools, hospitals, churches, and direct farmer outreach. “Our goal is to support farmers in planting trees on their land to reverse deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Kagari stated.
The Tupande initiative exemplifies how collaborative efforts can drive environmental and social progress, setting a powerful example for Kenya’s journey towards a sustainable future.
