PBORA to adopt an acre of Ngong Road Forest as Kenya marks Mazingira Day
The Authority plans to adopt an acre of forest land at the Ngong Road Forest, committing to grow trees on the site as part of national efforts to increase Kenya's forest cover.
The Authority’s Director, Dr Laxmana Kiptoo, made the pledge at the forest where he led staff in growing trees during this year’s Mazingira Day.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Dr Paul Rono led the exercise in the area.
The Authority’s commitment builds on the 2022 national target, announced by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto, of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 under the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme.
In July, Principal Secretary, State Department for Forestry, Mr Gitonga Mugambi, said 1.8 billion trees had been planted. He said 15 billion trees would generate a revenue of Sh75 trillion after maturity and harvest.
During the October 10, 2026 exercise, Dr Kiptoo said the national target could be met and called for concerted efforts involving organizations and individuals.
"Achieving 15 billion trees requires sustained and coordinated action. No single institution can deliver it alone because this endeavour depends on partnerships that pool resources, expertise and local knowledge, and on collaboration that keeps trees growing long after planting day," he said.
He said the Authority’s plan to adopt an acre of the forest would ensure responsibility and accountability in the management of the resource, including allocation of resources.
"We will work with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and public benefit organizations (PBOs) to plant trees in that space and to take care of the environment so that it can take care of us," Dr Kiptoo said.
He thanked the Kenya Forest Service team, led by County Forest Conservator Mr Duncan Gichuki, for facilitating the exercise, and challenged staff to grow trees in their own spaces to make Kenya green and clean.
In his address, Dr Rono linked the day to the country's food security.
"Today is an important day, and all of us must take it seriously. If the environment is not conserved, global warming occurs and climate change sets in, disrupting the farming calendar. We then see soil erosion, poor soils and reduced crop yields, and food insecurity follows," he said.
He called on farmers to plant and take care of trees, especially food trees.
Also present were Commission on Administrative Justice Chairperson Mr Charles Dulo, Commission Secretary Ms Naisiae Paloshe Tobiko, Langata Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Mr Walter Katonon, and officers from the Kenya Railways Corporation and the KFS.
The Authority’s regional offices in Eldoret, Garissa, Kisumu, Mombasa and Nakuru also planted trees, working alongside local partners and government agencies.
In the North Rift, the Eldoret team joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which hosted the tree planting exercise at the Moi Barracks. More than 200 seedlings were planted during the event, which was presided over by the Kenya Army commander, Lt Gen David Keter. Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, Dr Eddyson Nyale, and the area Deputy Governor, Hon Evans Kapkea were also present.
In the North Eastern region, the Garissa-based team represented PBORA in the nearby Mwingi Central Sub-county, Kitui County, at an event presided over by Deputy County Commissioner, Ms Catherine Njoroge. More than 100 seedlings were planted at the Mwingi Police Station.
In the Nyanza region, the Kisumu team worked with the Miral Welfare Foundation and the Child Welfare Society of Kenya to plant 500 seedlings with students at Ogwedhi PAG School in Nyando (Awasi). Partners spoke to the learners on the importance of tree planting and conservation.
In the Coast region, the Authority's Mombasa team joined the World Wildlife Fund, Benefit Mankind and the Al Imdaad Foundation to plant some 3,000 trees at Kaya Chonyi Duruma in Tsunza village, Kwale County.
In the South Rift, PBORA's Nakuru team joined more than 10,000 participants, coordinated by the Nakuru County Commissioner, Loyford Kibaara, to plant over 200,000 seedlings at the Sigitok Mau Forest.