The Relentless Pursuit Toward 30% Tree Cover

Kinangop, Nyandarua County

Wednesday, 7th May 2025 was not an ordinary day in South Kinangop—it was a day of grit, green ambition, and environmental resolve. As the dawn broke, a determined team geared up with heavy breakfasts, hiking shoes or gumboots, jackets, umbrellas, and most importantly, a strong will to make a lasting impact on climate change. The mission? To grow 30,000 trees at the Holy Oak beat of South Kinangop Forest.

The Journey Begins with a Four-Kilometre Climb of Commitment

The day’s task began with a four-kilometre uphill trek—sweat-breaking and spirit-testing. Yet, it was a trail of purpose. The diverse participants included the dedicated trainers and energetic students from Kinangop Technical and Vocational College, the ever-zealous green warriors from Dedan Kimathi Foundation, Kenya Forest Service officers and rangers, and the wise, seasoned members of the South Kinangop Community Forest Association (CFA).

Though their backgrounds differed, their mission was one and the same: contribute to Kenya’s ambitious goal of achieving 30% tree cover by planting exotic trees in this vital forest belt.

Overcoming Physical Odds

With the terrain proving too steep for tractor access, the planters were left with no choice but to carry seedlings manually—up and down the hill countless times. What would have drained the average person only ignited greater determination in this passionate team. Instead of complaining, they narrated stories, sang songs, and cracked jokes, transforming exhaustion into laughter and motivation.

One of the day’s most touching moments was the camaraderie between the youth and the elderly. As the older CFA members watched the students work tirelessly, they were filled with admiration and hope. These elders, many of whom tend to their PELIS-assigned plots, planted their own sections with deep dedication. With knees to the ground and hands in the soil, they embodied resilience and experience.

A Promise of Tree Survival

Under the Plantations Establishment for Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS), each tree planted is more than just a seedling—it’s a commitment. The CFA members, who will continue to cultivate crops on the same land, have a vested interest in ensuring the trees thrive. Their involvement guarantees not only diligent aftercare but also some of the highest tree survival rates in the region.

A Day that Will Grow for Generations

What began as a trek into the forest became a symbolic journey toward a greener, healthier planet. The 30,000 trees planted in South Kinangop on that memorable Wednesday are more than saplings—they are pillars of hope, oxygen factories, climate stabilizers, and legacies.

In a world grappling with environmental crises, this day proved that unity, determination, and a love for nature can—and will—move mountains, one seedling at a time.

Join us in our relentless pursuit of 30% tree cover. Be part of the solution. Be the difference.

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