Nandi Professionals, Residents to Lead Major Tree-Planting Drive in Chepkiep Forest
“Every tree planted today is an investment in the future. We want to inspire communities to become champions of environmental conservation and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” said one of the organizers.
Nurturing minds and nature: Kipkombot Primary School students drink from a source that feeds River Nzoia, while their 1600-tree project safeguards the future/Pic James Gitaka
By Staff Reporter
Environmental conservation efforts in Nandi County are set to receive a major boost following the announcement of a large-scale tree-planting exercise scheduled for June 26, 2026, at Chepkiep Forest in Nandi North Sub-County.
The initiative, organized by the Nandi County Professionals for Conservation, is expected to bring together schools, churches, community members, county government representatives, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, youth and women groups, professionals, and other stakeholders in a collective effort to restore and protect the environment.
Held under the theme, “Plant a Tree Today, Secure Our Future Tomorrow,” the event seeks to promote environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development through the planting of indigenous and fruit tree seedlings, as well as the distribution of seed balls to encourage natural regeneration and biodiversity.
The Nandi County Professionals for Conservation brings together professionals from across Nandi County and is working in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Environment and Public Participation stakeholders (EPK), the Green Belt Movement, Community Forest Associations (CPF), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the County Government of Nandi, and the National Government to advance environmental restoration programmes across the county.
Speaking ahead of the exercise, organizers said the initiative is aimed at mobilizing communities to take an active role in reversing environmental degradation, restoring forest cover, and strengthening environmental stewardship in Nandi County.
“Every tree planted today is an investment in the future. We want to inspire communities to become champions of environmental conservation and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” said one of the organizers.
The exercise will also include environmental sensitization sessions to educate participants on sustainable land-use practices, climate change mitigation, and the importance of protecting water catchment areas. Organizers expect hundreds of residents and stakeholders to participate in the event, which will begin at 10:30 a.m.
The planned activity comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to increase national forest cover and combat the effects of climate change. In recent years, the government has launched ambitious reforestation campaigns aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing environmental sustainability. The national target of planting billions of trees over the next decade has seen counties, institutions, private sector players, and community groups actively participate in tree-growing initiatives across the country.
The Chepkiep Forest exercise is expected to result in the restoration of more than 100,000 trees, marking a significant contribution to the Government of Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees (“Jaza Miti”) initiative. Organizers say the project will help restore degraded forest ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, protect water catchment areas, and improve livelihoods for surrounding communities.
Nandi County remains one of Kenya’s most important ecological regions, hosting key water towers and forest ecosystems that contribute significantly to environmental conservation and agricultural productivity. Conservationists have repeatedly emphasized the need to protect forests in the county from encroachment, illegal logging, and the effects of climate change.
Environmental experts note that tree planting plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and safeguarding water sources. They say community-driven initiatives such as the Chepkiep Forest exercise are essential in achieving Kenya’s environmental restoration goals.
“Protecting forests is not the responsibility of government alone. Communities, institutions, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. Every seedling planted contributes to a healthier environment and a more resilient future,” said an environmental conservation advocate supporting the initiative.
The Nandi Integrated Forum has called on residents, institutions, stakeholders, development partners, and well-wishers across the county and beyond to turn out in large numbers and participate in the exercise, describing it as a practical step toward building a greener and more sustainable Nandi.
The forum is also inviting additional partners and supporters to join its mission of “Community Action for Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods,” emphasizing that collective action and long-term partnerships are essential to achieving lasting environmental and socio-economic impact.
The event will take place at Chepkiep Forest, Nandi North, starting at 10:30 a.m., and is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening partnerships in environmental conservation while reinforcing the county’s commitment to protecting its natural resources for future generations.
This version reads more like a newspaper feature while clearly highlighting the role of the Nandi County Professionals for Conservation, its partners, the 100,000-tree restoration target, and alignment with Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees initiative.
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