By: Cynthia Masibo
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in partnership with Blue Focus Africa Limited launched the African Champions of Trees (ACT) Awards on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the KFS headquarters in Karura. The awards aim to recognize and celebrate individuals, groups, and institutions making significant contributions to tree growing, forest conservation, and protection across Kenya.
Speaking at the event, Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko highlighted the alignment of the ACT Awards with the Kenya Forest Service’s mandate to sustainably manage forest resources for socio-economic development. He noted that the ACT Awards will formally reward efforts carried out in 2024, becoming an annual event running through 2032, in support of Kenya’s ambitious goal of achieving 30% tree cover nationally.
“The ACT Awards are designed not only as a celebration but also as a mechanism to generate valuable data, track reforestation initiatives, and share knowledge and lessons learned,” Mr. Lemarkoko said. He emphasized that the awards will encourage more tree planting on public, community, and private lands, advancing Kenya’s commitment under the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy to plant 15 billion trees.
Currently, forest cover in Kenya stands at 8.83%, with total tree cover at 12.13%. Forests contribute about 3.6% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and directly employ between 18,000 and 50,000 people, with an additional 300,000 to 600,000 people benefiting indirectly. Over 80% of Kenya’s national energy supply relies on fuelwood, making sustainable forest management critical for both economic and environmental health.
Mr. Lemarkoko underscored the role of forests as a major carbon sink vital to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. He highlighted Community Forest Associations, which have transformed livelihoods by combining tree planting with food crop production across approximately 6,453 hectares of forest land.
Since its inception, Kenya Forest Service has supported the planting of 846 million trees and fruit trees countrywide, supplied through more than 300 nurseries that provide species suitable for diverse climatic zones. The ACT Awards are expected to raise further awareness, motivate participation through recognition of best practices, and promote sustainable, purpose-driven tree growing through experience and knowledge sharing.
“The awards are a powerful tool to foster environmental leadership, restore ecosystems, and build climate-resilient communities,” Mr. Lemarkoko added. He called on all eligible individuals and organizations to participate by submitting entries on the ACT Awards website.
The launch also acknowledged the support of corporate partners including Tek Productions Ltd., Sense of Africa Limited, and Royal Media Services Group, who have joined the initiative to celebrate excellence in tree planting and conservation efforts. Mr. Lemarkoko invited more corporates and individuals to partner in this environmental journey.
The ACT Awards initiative contributes directly to Kenya’s constitutional mandate to maintain at least 10% tree cover, as well as the country’s Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability.
As Kenya intensifies its efforts to combat climate change and restore degraded landscapes, the ACT Awards promise to be a significant catalyst in fostering a greener, more sustainable future for the country and the African continent at large.
