The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, led a tree-planting exercise in Kakamega Forest to mark World Environment Day, joining stakeholders in efforts to restore degraded sections of Kenya’s only tropical rainforest.

The event, organised with the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation and other partners, saw more than 17,000 indigenous tree seedlings planted. Participants included government agencies, conservation groups, schools, security agencies, civil society organisations, and members of the local community, all contributing to rehabilitation efforts in affected areas of the forest.

Speaking during the exercise on June 4, 2026, Ingonga emphasised the need for collective responsibility in environmental protection.

“As citizens, we have a duty to protect our environment and preserve our natural heritage. The restoration of Kakamega Forest is not only important for biodiversity conservation but also for climate change mitigation, water catchment protection, and the socio-economic well-being of surrounding communities,” he said.

He also adopted one acre of the forest for restoration activities, supporting ongoing efforts to plant and nurture indigenous tree species in degraded zones.

Kakamega Forest restoration

Kakamega Forest, which is the only remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya, is recognised for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. It hosts a wide range of plant and animal species and serves as a key water catchment area feeding rivers such as Isiukhu and Yala. The forest also supports livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable resource use, while playing a role in climate regulation.

However, environmental experts have raised concerns over continued degradation caused by illegal logging, charcoal burning, encroachment, and grazing, which have reduced forest cover in some sections.

Restoration initiatives such as the Kakamega drive are aimed at reversing these trends and improving ecosystem health.

The tree-planting initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader national targets on forest and tree cover expansion under environmental and climate policies. The Constitution and Vision 2030 framework aim to increase forest cover, with ongoing programmes focusing on reforestation, conservation, and community participation.

The World Environment Day 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future”, highlights the role of nature-based solutions in addressing environmental challenges. Kenya’s activities in Kakamega formed part of global observance efforts, reinforcing commitments to climate action and ecosystem restoration.

Stakeholders involved in the exercise said collaboration between government institutions, local communities, and conservation organisations remains key to sustaining long-term environmental protection efforts and ensuring the survival of critical ecosystems such as Kakamega Forest.