Kenya Forest Service launched Participatory Forest Management Plans and signed Forest Management Agreements with Ndaragwa and OlBollosat Community Forest Associations. The ceremony held at OlBollosat Forest Station in Nyandarua County was officiated by Jerome Mwanzia, Project Manager of GZDSP II, representing the Chief Conservator of Forests.
During the ceremony, Mr.Mwanzia highlighted the project’s role in funding activities identified by Community Forest Associations members. These activities include fencing 275 hectares of Ndaragwa Forest Station, constructing a new office block, purchasing a vehicle, and employing 12 youth to assist in the tree nursery, among other notable developments.
Nyandarua County has a target to grow 4,555,000 trees in 2024. According to the County Forest Conservator, Mr. John Njoroge, the county is on track to meet this goal, thanks to the concerted efforts of various stakeholders. This year alone, Ol Bolossat Forest Station has planted 80,000 indigenous trees and 68,000 exotic trees, showcasing the county’s commitment to ecological restoration and conservation.
Additionally, the International Tree Foundation has contributed to the growth of 50,000 trees in Ol Bolossat Forest, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in conservation. Other partners, such as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), Environment and Sustainable Development Agency (ENSDA), CopyCad and Acaritas, have also played crucial roles in tree-growing initiatives.
Also present during the launch was the Manager Legal Services Eshter Keige Assistant Regional Forest Conservator Central Highlands Eshter Mugo, the Deputy County Commissioner, KWS representative and other KFS staff members.
