By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, May 16, 2026 - Kenya has renewed its push for global partnerships and financing to support its ambitious 15 billion tree growing campaign aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and tackling climate change.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa held bilateral talks with United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Director-General Dr Juliet Biao following the conclusion of the UNFF21 meeting in New York.
During the meeting, Ms Barasa reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing the global forestry agenda under the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030.
She said Kenya remained committed to sustainable forest management and landscape restoration as part of the country’s wider climate action efforts.
A major focus of the discussions was Kenya’s 15 billion tree growing strategy, which seeks to increase forest cover, restore biodiversity and strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
The programme was launched by President William Ruto in December 2022 as part of Kenya’s long-term plan to raise national tree cover to at least 30 per cent by 2032. The initiative targets the planting of 15 billion trees through partnerships involving government agencies, communities, the private sector and development partners.
“The initiative presents a critical pathway for achieving both national and global environmental targets,” Ms Barasa said.
The Cabinet Secretary also appealed to the UNFF to help Kenya strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders, development partners and financing institutions to support forestry programmes and sustainable forest management initiatives.
The talks come as Kenya intensifies efforts to reverse deforestation and environmental degradation through large-scale tree planting campaigns and conservation programmes.
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