Forests boss Alex Lemarkoko: We have planted 850 million trees
By Arnold Ngure, September 2, 2025Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko has disclosed that the current number of trees planted by the government is 850 million, far behind the yearly target of 1.5 billion required to reach the 15 billion target by 2032.
Speaking during an interview at a local TV station on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Lemarkoko blamed funding gaps and the inadequacy of tree seedlings as the main challenges in the dream for a better forest cover.
“We are at 850 million trees so far, which is not very good in terms of achievement because we still need to attain 1.5 billion. This is because we are putting more effort into the infrastructure to raise seedlings and to ensure that whatever is planted can actually grow,” Lemarkoko said.
Ambitious target
While Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion-tree planting initiative is making strides, significant challenges threaten to derail the monumental effort aimed at combating climate change.
The campaign, launched by President William Ruto in late 2022, aims to increase the nation’s forest cover from its current 12% to 30% by 2032.
The progress achieved is a testament to the nationwide mobilization that has seen government agencies, private sector companies, schools, and individuals participate in the effort. The government has set a target of planting an average of 1.5 billion trees each year to stay on track.
Funding gaps
Despite the collective effort, the program faces a number of hurdles. One of the most critical is a significant funding gap.
The initiative requires an estimated Ksh60 billion annually, but recent budget allocations for forest conservation have fallen well short of this target.
Another major challenge is the critical distinction between planting and growing trees. Success hinges on the survival rate of the planted seedlings, a metric that is difficult to track accurately.
Factors like erratic rainfall, poor soil conditions, and a lack of long-term care for the young trees threaten their survival.
Additionally, ongoing deforestation due to illegal logging and charcoal burning continues to undermine the progress made, making the initiative a race against time.