State, Huawei Partner to Restore Forests in Limuru Under 15 Billion Trees Drive
Senior government officials and Huawei Kenya representatives plant trees in Matathia, Lari, Kiambu County, during a forest restoration exercise under the Presidential 15 billion trees initiative, marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Limuru , April 17, 2026 — A multi-stakeholder partnership led by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and Huawei Technologies Kenya has intensified efforts to restore endangered natural forests in Uplands, Limuru, as part of Kenya’s broader climate action agenda.
The tree-growing initiative brought together government officials, local administrators, forest managers, Community Forest Associations (CFAs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and residents in a unified campaign aimed at reversing deforestation and strengthening climate resilience.
Speaking during the exercise, Ambassador Michael Kiboino, Secretary of Management at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, stated that the initiative reflects the practical application of environmental diplomacy.
“Diplomacy is not confined to boardrooms and foreign missions. Today, it is also expressed through practical action that responds to the global challenges we all share,” said Kiboino.
He added that the initiative goes beyond simple tree planting to foster long-term environmental stewardship.
“We are not just planting trees, but cultivating a lasting legacy of partnership, restoration, and conservation for posterity,” he noted.
The exercise aligns with Kenya’s national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, addressing the continued loss of critical forest cover. According to the 2024 Kenya Forest Service report, the country loses over 84,000 hectares of forest annually to deforestation, with an additional 15,000 hectares affected by degradation.
Limuru remains a vital ecological zone; Lari Sub-County hosts six of Kiambu County’s eight forests, making it a priority area for biodiversity conservation, water catchment protection, and environmental sustainability.
Huawei Technologies Kenya, a key partner in the initiative, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through active participation. Khadija Mohammed, the company’s Public Affairs and Media Director, said the effort aligns with Huawei’s #Tech4All agenda.
“Our support for this initiative reflects Huawei’s commitment to using technology and partnerships to create a more inclusive and sustainable future,” she said.
She added that the company is supporting national environmental goals through collaborative action.
“Our support reflects our commitment to protecting nature while advancing the Government of Kenya’s goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, and we recognize that empowering grassroots communities is critical to strengthening climate adaptation and ensuring long-term environmental impact,” she noted.
She cited Huawei’s 2025 collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the IUCN, and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute under the Tech4Nature initiative, which deployed digital tools to support conservation at the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.
Local administrators emphasized that sustainable restoration requires moving beyond planting to ensuring tree survival through continuous care and community involvement.
Lari Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Kariuki said the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs since 2024 has significantly enhanced regional restoration.
“We must move from tree planting to tree growing through consistent monitoring and community engagement, because true success is measured by survival and sustainability,” said Kariuki.
Community leaders also highlighted the vital link between forest conservation, water resources, and local livelihoods. Uplands Community Forest Association Chairman Tom Kimani stated that conservation initiatives are already reversing harmful practices like charcoal burning, which previously threatened the area.
“River restoration is critical to the survival of communities downstream, Indigenous trees remain the best choice for conservation because they protect ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.”said Kimani, adding that over 2,600 CFA and CBO members are actively engaged in these efforts.
He further noted that programmes like the Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS) are helping improve household incomes while supporting restoration.
The initiative underscored the growing importance of partnerships in tackling environmental challenges.
By combining government leadership, private sector support, and community participation, stakeholders noted that the Limuru restoration programme offers a scalable model for safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage for future generations
