Kenyan Prisons Service To Supply 2.1 Million Seedlings For Ruto's Tree Planting Project

In support of President William Ruto's initiative to plant 15 billion trees, the Kenyan Prisons Service intends to provide 2.1 million seedlings. 100,000 of the 2.1 million tree saplings will be gifted, while the other two million will be cheaply sold. Kenya Prisons Commissioner General Brig (Rtd) John Warioba said they would encourage partners looking to engage in the initiative when he introduced phase one of the program.

"By reallocating personnel and financial resources, we have increased the potential of our tree saplings. According to Brig (Rtd) Warioba, "We have the infrastructure to support tree restoration programs across Kenya and to provide tree seedlings.

According to him, convicts and prison staff produced the tree seedlings to fit Kenya's ecological and environmental patterns.

“The Officers in Charge and farm managers of our penal institutions who are the subject matter experts have developed programmes that have given inmates skills to engage in tree restoration programmes. Inmates and honourably discharged offenders appreciate the impact of climate change and are ready to support the 15 billion trees restoration programme," Warioba said.

“Partners and stakeholders can work with inmates or honourably discharged offenders under the Kenya Prison Service supervision to meet their strategic objectives around conserving, restoring, and growing trees.’’

Last Monday, President Ruto announced the commencement of the 15 billion tree planting effort, saying that it will employ young people who had previously worked on the Kazi Mitaani Initiative of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Tree restoration is a primary concern for the president, who also serves as chair of the African Union Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Adaptation.