Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) have signed a Framework for Collaboration towards tree growing and forest conservation where KeNHA has committed to supporting the development of a modern tree nursery at a cost of Ksh. 20 million.
The nursery will be situated at the Nairobi Arboretum green space where once completed, it will have a capacity of raising up to one million indigenous seedlings annually as part of KeNHA’s contribution to the national agenda of increasing the tree cover.
The occasion graced by KFS & KeNHA Board Chairmen Mr Peter Kinyua and Eng. Wangai Ndirangu witnessed the inking of the framework between the Chief Conservator of Forests Mr Julius Kamau and KeNHA Director General Eng Peter Mundinia.
The tree nursery establishment seeks to generate and supply quality seedlings to the residents of Nairobi County and its environs. It will also supply seedlings that will be used for roadside enrichment especially along project areas where KeNHA will be developing infrastructures such as highways and other urban roads. Following a tour around the Nairobi Arboretum by senior officials from the two organisations which also included a visit to the proposed site for the development of the nursery, the two organisations identified the importance of a clean healthy and secure environment where both sustainable environment conservation and infrastructural development are undertaken for the good of the nation.
The two organisations through the framework will synergize regional offices countrywide to foster conservation in all areas where KeNHA will be developing and expanding road networks. Equally, the collaboration will focus on beautifying roadsides and walkways by growing appropriate tree species such as ornamental trees to increase the tree cover and enhance climate resilience. The development of the nursery will also incorporate efforts by the Athi Water Works who already supported KFS by installing a water borehole at the arboretum to ensure sustainable water security to enable the tree nursery to produce seedlings throughout the year. The project will also leverage the Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association(NACCFA) in the development of the nursery for sustainable seedlings production. Stakeholders present in the signing ceremony included representatives from Athi Water Works, NACCFA, and Lariak Landscapes Limited among others.
