Homa Bay intensifies reforestation drive amid invasive species threat

BARASA IRENE AND SITNA OMAR-KNA

Kenya Forest Service has intensified efforts to restore degraded forests in Homa Bay County amid growing challenges posed by invasive plant species particularly Lantana camara.

Speaking during a ‘Back to School with a Seedling’ tree planting initiative at Lake Primary School in Homa Bay town, County Conservator of Forests Sharon Cheluget said invasive species continue to threaten several forest stations in the county.

According to Cheluget, forests most affected include Wire, Kodera, and Homa Hills forest stations, where illegal activities such as deforestation and charcoal burning have further undermined conservation efforts.

She noted that inadequate resources and limited monitoring have also affected the survival rate of planted trees in some areas.

“To address these challenges, stakeholders are working together to clear affected areas and promote sustainable planting practices,” she said.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure the challenge of invasive species is overcome. We will continue bringing stakeholders on board to help clear the affected land,” she added.

She stated that KFS has stepped in to support restoration efforts through seedling production, establishment of tree nurseries, and provision of technical guidance.

Cheluget highlighted major progress made in the restoration of Lambwe Forest Station, where approximately 420 hectares of the 703-hectare forest have been replanted since 2024.

“If the rains continue as expected, by the end of this rainy season we will have cleared the remaining less than 300 hectares. Lambwe will be completely reforested,” she said.

Wire Forest Station is undergoing similar restoration through multi-sectoral stakeholder initiatives, she said.

Early this week, she said, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) planted trees on 20 hectares, while community forest associations continue participating actively in reforestation efforts.

At Kodera Forest Station, at least 10 hectares had been replanted by the end of last year. Cheluget said some forest areas, including Gembe and parts of Gwassi in Suba have been earmarked for natural regeneration instead of intensive plantation programs.

“We realised the best way to restore these stations is to allow natural regeneration. If protected, the forests can recover naturally without the high costs associated with tree planting,” she explained.

She further disclosed that Kinjororio area in Gwassi had previously been invaded by illegal cultivators of cannabis in 2024.

However, a joint security operation led by former County Commissioner Moses Lilan successfully flushed out the illegal farmers.