Environment CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Inspects Seedling Production at Ngong Hills Amid National Tree Campaign Push

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa visited Ngong Hills Forest Station on March 3, 2026. She engaged directly with National Youth Service (NYS) officers who are actively potting seedlings as part of Kenya’s ambitious 15 billion tree growing campaign.

The briefing highlighted the critical role of scaled-up nursery operations. Dr. Barasa inspected ongoing work at the station’s nursery. NYS youth demonstrated potting techniques for indigenous and other species.

Scaling Nurseries Key to Meeting Targets

Dr. Barasa stressed that boosting seedling production drives the national effort. Kenya targets one billion seedlings this year alone.

“When we are restoring our ecosystem and planting trees, we are looking at climate resilience, green economy, and environmental restoration and also creating green jobs,” she said. “Right now in Kenya, we have more than 363 million seedlings. We are calling on Kenyans to go and plant.”

The Ngong Hills station has raised its production goal from 1.3 million to two million seedlings annually. About 70 percent are indigenous species suited to local ecosystems.

This aligns with the broader campaign launched by President William Ruto in 2022. The goal is to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 and lift national tree cover to 30 percent from the current levels around 12-13 percent.

NYS Plays Central Role in Seedling Propagation

NYS officers form a key workforce in the initiative. They handle labor-intensive tasks like potting, watering, and maintenance at forest stations.

The visit included a look at NYS housing facilities at the site. Improved accommodations support sustained youth involvement in nursery work.

Partnerships between the Ministry, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and NYS strengthen delivery. Such collaborations aim to address past challenges like seedling shortages and survival rates.

Progress and Challenges in the National Campaign

Kenya has made strides since the program’s start. Estimates show hundreds of millions of trees planted nationwide, with over 363 million seedlings ready as of early 2026.

Focus now shifts to nurturing planted trees for higher survival. Officials emphasize community involvement and monitoring.

The campaign tackles climate change impacts like droughts and degraded landscapes. It also creates green jobs, especially for youth.

Dr. Barasa’s hands-on engagement signals strong government commitment. She rallied for wider participation to hit annual targets.

Call for Nationwide Planting Effort

As rains support planting across regions, the Ministry urges Kenyans to act. Public and private sectors join in nurseries and field planting.

Ngong Hills serves as a model station. Its expanded output contributes to the one-billion-seedling push this season.

With continued momentum, the 15 billion tree goal remains within reach. It promises restored ecosystems, better water security, and a greener future for Kenya.