Wetang’ula discloses MPs’ intervention to help Ruto hit 15B trees target
By Rehab Kinuthia, November 3, 2025The National Assembly will advocate for increased budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Environment to support the fencing of gazetted forests across the country, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said.
Speaking at the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, on Monday, November 3, 2025, where he presided over the institution’s 48th graduation ceremony, Wetang’ula said rampant destruction and encroachment of forests pose a major threat to President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to achieve 15 billion trees by 2032.
“The National Assembly will push for enhanced budget allocations to the ministry to fund the fencing of gazetted forests as an effort to support measures put in place to realise the President’s target,” said Wetang’ula.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai lauded the government’s conservation efforts and pledged to plant more than 32 million trees within the next year.
He further said his administration will collaborate with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in training forest extension officers to strengthen conservation efforts, noting that the county has intensified environmental protection programmes funded by both the national government and development partners.
Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot said his office had planted 9,000 trees through the NG-CDF and urged residents to join local conservation initiatives.
He also revealed that a new School of Agriculture under construction in Londiani will collaborate with the forestry college to promote sustainable environmental practices.
Also watch: Wetang’ula backs increased funding to fence gazetted forests nationwide
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa challenged institutions to invest in tree planting to support the government’s goal of 15 billion trees.
While mourning those who lost their lives in recent landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Barasa said a team from her ministry had been dispatched to the affected areas to assist with relocation efforts.
“We will be working with counties to enhance awareness among wananchi living in high-risk areas, with a view to encouraging them to move to safer grounds,” she said.
The CS also urged young forestry graduates to take the lead in restoring Kenya’s forest cover, describing forests as the lungs of the nation and pillars of the country’s survival.
She further encouraged Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing heavy rains to plant more trees.