Planting Seeds of Peace

A Reforestation Initiative in Baringo County

Baringo County is known for its stunning natural beauty, including Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria, which feature geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, including flamingos. The landscape is also defined by rugged terrain and forests like the Tugen Hills.

However, this beauty is marred by persistent inter-communal conflict stemming from cattle rustling, banditry, and competition for scarce resources. This violence displaces people, causes loss of life, creates economic instability and disrupts children’s education.

In an effort to foster peace and tolerance, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation, in partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces (Operation Maliza Uhalifu – OMU), the Kenya Forest Service, the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), the National Police, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, organized a two-day tree-planting event on Wednesday, September 17, and Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Dubbed ‘Trees for Peace,’ the initiative brought together members of the rival Pokot and Turkana communities in Chemolingot, Tiaty Sub-county. The goal was to plant “seeds of tolerance” by working together to improve their shared environment. A total of 2,000 assorted tree seedlings were planted at public sites including Chemolingot Comprehensive, Nginyan Girls Secondary School, Sunrise Comprehensive, and the Chemolingot Police Station, which also serves as the OMU command center. Each tree was assigned to an individual responsible for its care.

The participants received mentorship, environmental education, and climate change sensitization before the planting began. The OMU Commander, Major Kaikai, and the Tiaty Deputy County Commissioner both stressed that peace is essential for real development and urged communities to set aside their differences to improve the environment, which would lead to increased pasture and crops.

Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s Field Director encouraged participants to embrace a fresh start, likening it to how trees grow together without conflict. She urged community leaders to prioritize reconciliation to prevent violence, stating that peace attracts investment and government services.

The event highlighted several ongoing challenges, including severe water shortages and the need for women and girls’ empowerment. The Dedan Kimathi Foundation committed to continued work in the area, specifically to provide adolescent girls with sanitary pads, mentorship, and counseling to combat early pregnancies and marriages and ensure they can complete their education.

The Climax of the two days was a free medical camp led by Medical Missions Africa (MeMA) bringing highly needed medical services to the public at Chesakam area.