Massive Tree-Planting Drive Launched to Restore Shimba Hills Forest
Kwale County—Local community groups and conservation partners have kicked off an ambitious campaign to plant 50,000 indigenous trees in the Shimba Hills ecosystem, aiming to reverse years of deforestation and protect endangered wildlife.
The initiative, launched today at Kivumoni Forest Station, brings together county officials, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers, and local youth groups. Organizers say the project will not only restore degraded forest cover but also safeguard critical water sources and habitats for elephants and rare bird species.
“We are targeting native species such as African mahogany and mkangazi to ensure natural regeneration and climate resilience,” explained Mary Mwende, a KFS forest officer overseeing the program.
Residents have pledged to maintain the seedlings and create community nurseries to sustain reforestation efforts. Environmentalists note that increased tree cover will help reduce soil erosion, improve rainfall patterns, and support eco-tourism in the region.
The Shimba Hills reforestation drive is expected to run through the rainy season, with follow-up monitoring scheduled over the next two years to ensure high survival rates of the newly planted trees.
