Church donates 20,000 fruit tree seedlings to boost Kisumu's conservation efforts

The national tree-planting drive in Kisumu County has received a major boost following a donation of 20,000 fruit tree seedlings by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The donation marks the launch of the Church’s nationwide campaign to distribute 120,000 fruit seedlings, an initiative aimed at enhancing food security, empowering communities economically, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Kisumu is the first stop in the national rollout of the tree planting campaign.

Speaking at the launch event, Church representative George Munene said the programme aligns with Kenya’s climate action goals and broader development agenda.

“This is a national fruit tree planting project, and we are proud to begin in Kisumu. Fruit trees are vital, not only for meeting nutritional needs but also for creating income-generating opportunities and restoring our natural ecosystems,” Munene said.

He announced that the church will extend the initiative to other counties from next month, and thanked the Kisumu county leadership for their collaboration.

Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo welcomed the initiative, terming it a timely act of goodwill.

“One of the key hurdles in achieving our national and county tree planting targets has been access to seedlings and space for nursery development. This donation is a game-changer,” he said.

Leparmorijo said that the seedlings have already been allocated to multiple stakeholders including his office, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the National Youth Service, Kenya Prisons, the County Government, Ecumenical Centre for Justice, and the Interfaith Council.

He emphasized the need for follow-through beyond planting: “In the past, we planted and forgot. This time, we must plant and nurture.”

Leparmorijo also linked the initiative to wider climate resilience efforts in the region, especially in flood-prone areas like Nyando, Kadibo, and Nyakach.

“This year, displacement has reduced, but some residents still remain in camps in places like Nduru, Ogenya, and Ombaka. Planting trees—particularly fruit trees—can help mitigate future risks and build long-term resilience,” he said.

KFS Kisumu County Conservator Vitalis Osodo echoed the county commissioner’s remarks, noting that local seedling production remains far below the targets set under Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion tree programme.

“Kisumu needs to produce at least 9.1 million seedlings annually, but we currently lack the capacity. That’s why partnerships like this one with the Church are so critical,” said Osodo, adding that KFS will work with partners to ensure proper planting and monitoring of the seedlings.

Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Kenneth Onyango, lauded the initiative, saying it‘s in line with the county’s strategy to promote fruit farming.

“Just two weeks ago, we received 5,000 fruit tree seedlings from the national government. This additional donation strengthens our resolve to scale up fruit farming for both nutritional and economic reasons," he said.