Let's take advantage of long rains to increase forest cover

Students, Kenya Forest Service officers and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) officials plant trees at Orero Boys High School in Homa Bay County, on March 27, 2025. [James Omoro, Standard]

The rains are pounding heavily, thanks to mother nature. This season of long rains is an opportunity for us to grow trees and improve our degraded landscapes, harvest rain water and increase food production. Trees are a common good and are important for the survival of human beings and animals. They significantly contribute to health, wellbeing, social and economic growth.

Forests sustainably provide environmental and cultural benefits for present and future generations. They support ecosystems by stabilising soils, provide habitat for wildlife, fill and revitalise rivers, provide food for humans and animals, absorb and filter stormwater, provide shade and lower temperatures. Trees reduce surface temperatures by up to 12 degrees.