Elgeyo Marakwet Sets Up Nursery for 6 Million Trees by 2026

In Summary

• Elgeyo Marakwet County aims to establish a nursery for 6 million tree seedlings.
• Initiative supports Kenya’s 15 billion tree-planting goal by 2032.
• Focus on indigenous and fruit trees to enhance conservation and livelihoods.
• Builds on existing efforts, with 12 million seeds distributed in 2020.
• Challenges include funding, water access, and seedling survival rates.
• County collaborates with KFS, World Vision, and community groups for implementation.

Elgeyo Marakwet County is set to establish a tree nursery capable of producing 6 million seedlings annually, as part of its strategy to increase forest cover and support Kenya’s national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

The initiative, announced by County Environment Executive Abraham Barsosio on August 1, 2025, during a tree-planting event in Kaptagat, aims to bolster environmental conservation and enhance livelihoods through fruit tree cultivation.

The county, which currently has a forest cover of 37.49%, targets a 60% cover by 2030. The nursery will prioritize indigenous trees like Olea africana and Podocarpus latifolius for water catchment areas and fruit trees like avocado and macadamia for farmlands, aligning with economic and ecological goals. “This nursery will ensure a steady supply of quality seedlings, empowering farmers and protecting our water towers,” Barsosio said.

Building on past efforts, the county distributed 12 million certified seeds to 49 nursery groups in 2020, supported by World Vision and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). Community groups like Chogoo Cheptengis Okilgei have already sold seedlings worth KSh 1.8 million in 2022, demonstrating the economic potential of nurseries.

Women-led groups, such as those under the Joyful Women Organization, have been trained in nursery management, contributing to both income and environmental goals.

The initiative faces challenges, including limited funding, water scarcity for irrigation, and ensuring seedling survival in arid areas like Kerio Valley. Farmer Julia Siloi from Marakwet West noted, “Water access is a hurdle, but with county support, we’ve transformed degraded land.” The county is exploring solar-powered irrigation and partnerships with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Global EverGreening Alliance to address these issues.

The nursery aligns with national efforts, such as the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, where 842 million trees have been planted since 2023, though short of the 1.5 billion annual target.

Collaborations with organizations like the Mastercard Foundation and TNC are supporting fruit tree cultivation, with avocado and mango demonstration plots already established at Chebara Agricultural Training Centre.

Stakeholder consultations are ongoing, with plans to operationalize the nursery by mid-2026, ensuring community involvement and sustainable practices to meet both environmental and economic objectives.