The government has launched an ambitious five-year forest rehabilitation programme targeting 100 hectares at Lower Imenti Forest Station, Mbeu Block, in North Imenti Constituency, as part of efforts to achieve its goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the State Department for Energy is working in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and local residents to conserve the forest.
Speaking at Mbeu Primary School in Nyaki East Ward, North Imenti Constituency, Meru County, during the official launch of the 100-hectare Mbeu Forest Rehabilitation Initiative, Wachira said the local community would play a vital role in ensuring the project's success and sustainability.
"About 117,000 households from the locality will benefit from the electricity launch. The Energy Department is working in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service and the residents to conserve the forest. The five-year project targets 100 hectares at Lower Imenti Forest Station, Mbeu Block, in North Imenti Constituency. The initiative is meant to ensure the target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 is attained," said Wachira.
The PS pledged to facilitate the installation of an electric fence to address persistent human-wildlife conflicts, saying the intervention would enable the community to concentrate on planting and nurturing tree seedlings without unnecessary disturbances.
He said he would consult President William Ruto over more than 65 development projects proposed by area MP Rahim Dawood. He also promised to facilitate electricity connectivity to a church in the locality.
"The current forest cover at Mbeu will be increased to 300 acres from the current 100 acres. The area will be installed with an electric fence to end the frequent human-elephant conflicts. President Ruto's government is committed to fulfilling its promises. I will consult him over the 65 more projects presented to me by MP Dawood," said Wachira.
Leaders rally support for forest conservation
The PS also drummed up support for President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's re-election bid in 2027, citing their development record.
He called on the Mount Kenya region to give Ruto an opportunity to serve a second term, referring to previous presidents, including Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Mwai Kibaki.
"Let us support one of our own sons from Tharaka Nithi County, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Our duty is to safeguard the presidency, which is composed of Ruto and Kindiki. It is payback time for the residents of the Mount Kenya region. I urge the Meru community to come out and support the presidency at that critical moment," he said.
Head of Protocol in the Office of the Deputy President Gedeon Kimathi described the launch as a bold step towards restoring forests, protecting water sources and safeguarding the community's natural heritage.
"I joined PS Wachira and PS Mugambi in launching the 100-hectare Mbeu Forest Rehabilitation Initiative. This is a bold step towards restoring our forests, protecting water sources and safeguarding our natural heritage. A greener Meru, a resilient Kenya," said Kimathi.
Five million avocado seedlings promised
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said he would facilitate the distribution of five million avocado seedlings and introduce one million cocoa seedlings in Meru County.
Mugambi said avocados were in high demand locally and internationally, promising to distribute more seedlings to residents in future.
He also encouraged residents to embrace cocoa farming, citing its growing demand in Africa and globally.
The PS called on the Meru community to support President Ruto's 2027 re-election bid to enable the government to continue implementing development projects.
Expressing similar sentiments, Meru County Commissioner George Omollo said he would spearhead the planting of 1.3 million avocado seedlings in the area, citing ready markets in Kenya and China.
He said he would work with chiefs and their assistants to organise public forums to sensitise residents to the economic benefits of avocado farming.
Omollo encouraged Meru residents to embrace avocado cultivation, saying it had the potential to transform the region's economy through increased agricultural production and income.
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