Wrong Tree Species Undermine Kenya’s Reforestation Efforts, Advocates Warn

Dongo Kundu, Kenya — 2025-09-17 15:00 EAT. Environmental groups say Kenya’s national tree-planting drive risks failure because wrong species are frequently planted in unsuitable conditions, leading to high seedling mortality and wasted resources.

The Latest

• At a 17 September event near Mteza Bridge, activists revealed that two acres of mangroves died after the Mkandaa variety was planted in deep mud instead of the hardier Mkoko species.

• Groups planting trees under President Ruto’s 15-billion-tree plan urged better community consultation before reforestation projects proceed.

Context in Brief

• Kenya aims to boost forest cover from 8.83% to 30% by 2032.

• Mangroves provide marine habitats, construction materials, and crab-breeding grounds, but require species-specific soil and tidal conditions.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Maureen Kemunto, Cardinal Youth Association: Criticised groups for planting the wrong species without local advice, causing seedling losses.

• Bakari Randuni, Mbuta Mazingira: Urged use of community knowledge to match tree species to local ecosystems.

• Maj (rtd) Frank Anyega, Cardinal Youth Chair: Organisation plans to plant 1 million mangroves by 2026, with 632,000 already planted.

Evidence & Data

• Seedling losses: Two acres of mangroves died due to species mismatch.

• Target: 15 billion trees nationally by 2032; 1 million mangroves by 2026 in Dongo Kundu.

• Forest cover baseline: 8.83% (Kenya Forest Service, 2024).

Risks and Implications

• Climate resilience setback if tree mortality remains high.

• Wasted resources in seedlings, labour, and donor funds.

• Potential loss of biodiversity and marine ecosystem services.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether the Ministry of Environment will issue species-specific guidelines for reforestation.

• How local communities will be integrated into national tree-planting plans.

• Monitoring mechanisms for seedling survival rates nationwide.

Timeline

• Sept 2025: Mangrove planting failure reported in Dongo Kundu.

• 2026: Cardinal Youth Association targets 1 million mangroves.

• 2032: National goal to hit 30% forest cover.

What to Watch

• Possible policy directives on species selection and ecosystem mapping.

• Community-led training for volunteer groups.

• Survival rates in upcoming rainy-season planting campaigns