NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 18 – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and other relevant government agencies to ensure they customize the seedlings produced for growing in the 15 billion trees program according to the needs of different parts of the country.
Speaking in Vipingo, Kilifi County, during the global observance of desertification and drought day 2026, Kindiki said tree planting must address the needs of the local people noting that the move will restore degraded ecosystems, protect coastal areas and improve livelihoods.
“I have directed our Ministry of Environment to ensure that among the seedlings that will be produced for planting, they set aside a large number of these specific trees. Whether they are coconut trees, mango trees, or mangroves and cashews,” he added.
The Deputy President assured that the government will continue working with local communities to integrate indigenous knowledge into environmental conservation programmes, ensuring that restoration efforts are both sustainable and economically beneficial.
“I have said that our government will ensure that it utilizes and respects the local communities here to ensure that their knowledge in protecting the environment is used, and we help them use that knowledge to grow or raise their economy.”
“Trees like the ones we have mentioned are trees that do not just help conserve the environment, but also increase wealth and put money into the pockets of the people of Kilifi and the people of the coast,” the DP stated.
