Elderly environmentalist in Kericho leads charge in tree-planting initiative

As the government’s call for increased tree planting gains momentum nationwide, an elderly man from Chepngetuny village in Belgut Sub-County, Kericho County, has taken significant steps to contribute to this environmental effort.

Jeremiah Arap Chesobo has transformed part of his three-acre land into a forest garden, dedicated to growing and protecting trees through sustainable practices.

Chesobo, a passionate environmentalist, revealed to KNA that he has planted 200 tree seedlings this year alone.

He hopes his efforts will significantly contribute to increasing tree cover and mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

His passion for growing trees dates back to the early 1980s when he started planting indigenous trees.

These trees have now matured, providing a sanctuary for various birds and apes.

Over time, Chesobo has diversified his forest garden to include fruit trees, which have provided both nutritional value and financial stability for his family and neighbours.

At 76 years old, Chesobo has created a verdant paradise where the sounds of nature and exotic birds fill the air.

His orchard now boasts fully grown fruits such as avocados, mangoes, bananas, guavas, passion fruits, custard apples, and tamarillos, also known as tree tomatoes.

“These indigenous trees with fruits are ideal for bird nesting and attract butterflies, enhancing the environment. I hope the Kenya Wildlife Service will visit this haven to see and advise me on how to attract tourists,” said Chesobo.

Chesobo’s efforts have inspired his neighbours, who have begun planting trees within their compounds.

He also maintains tree nurseries, raising various species to a desirable size for planting and encouraging neighbours to take seedlings for their own gardens.

He emphasized the importance of the government’s National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

He stressed that all Kenyans should take this initiative seriously, not only to meet targets but also for future generations, as reduced forest cover contributes to climate change.

Kericho County Forest Conservator, John Chepkwony, highlighted that planting 16,000 tree seedlings annually for the next 10 years to cover 110,000 hectares would increase the county’s tree cover from 23.23 percent to 42 percent by 2032.

He explained that greater tree cover would reduce atmospheric carbon, as trees store carbon, while deforestation accelerates climate change by halting photosynthesis.

Chepkwony noted that deforestation due to illegal logging in Kericho County has decreased by 80 per cent, thanks to the Imarisha Misitu initiative, which removed livestock and human presence from forests.

The government’s ambitious goal to restore and conserve 10.6 million hectares of degraded ecosystems aims to achieve 30% forest cover.

This effort seeks to enhance biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and socio-economic development.

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