A delegation from the National Construction Authority (NCA) planting tree seedlings in the Bukhungu “A” block in Kakamega forest on Thursday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

The National Construction Authority has begun planting trees to restore 30,000 acres of Kakamega Forest as part of the government’s wider drive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.

The exercise falls under a 2025-28 collaboration framework between the NCA and the Kenya Forest Service signed on December 9, 2022, which outlines joint efforts to support forest regeneration and the adoption of degraded forest blocks across the country.

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The authority is targeting the planting of 30,000 seedlings in Kakamega Forest during the current long rains, with the exercise expected to be completed within a week.

NCA chief executive Eng Maurice Aketch led a delegation from the authority, alongside officials from KFS and Community Forest Associations, in launching the exercise with the planting of 3,010 seedlings in the Bukhungu ‘A’ block.

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Aketch said the authority, though primarily a construction agency, had committed itself to supporting environmental conservation efforts, noting that trees also play a role in providing key construction materials and other benefits, including medicinal value.

He said the initiative relies heavily on collaboration with local communities to ensure the seedlings are protected and nurtured to maturity.

The NCA has been involved in tree-planting activities over the past three years, including a similar exercise in Ngong Forest in partnership with KFS.

“We are working closely with KFS because they understand where urgent intervention is needed,” he said.

Aketch further called on communities living around gazetted forests to take an active role in safeguarding newly planted trees, saying the success of the national restoration drive depends on local ownership.

Kakamega County Forest Conservator Vitalis Osodo said the forest is targeting the planting of 208 million tree seedlings by 2032 under the national 15 billion trees programme.

He noted that Kakamega county currently has a tree cover of 18 per cent and a forest cover of 16 per cent.

Osodo also said proposed amendments to the Forest Management Act would align conservation laws with current realities, including a stronger emphasis on technology in forest management and value addition to forest products.