On 18th April, 2024 Muungano Environmental Resources Management Alliance (MERMA) with support by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Climate Promise hosted Kitui County in official launch of the March – April – May (MAM), 2024 tree growing launch which was held at Katse Location in Mumoni Ward in Kitui County. Over 12,000 assorted tree seedlings were planted mainly dryland tree species which consisted of Acacia species, senna species, Terminalia brownii, Crotons species and neem.

KEFRI Scientist Dr. Bernard Kigwa demonstrates on how to do forest restoration at Mumoni Hills forest

The exercise had beagn with onset of rains in the first week of April, 2024 then 18th was climax of the tree planting exercise. Site identification, preparation and pitting (digging) of holes for tree planting  began way back in the second week of February, 2024. This was followed with community sensitization and awareness creation together with focused community focused participatory planning meetings. Key players involved were Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA), Water Resources Authority (WRA), Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), County Government of Kitui, Kitui County Civil Society Network, Ministry of Interior and Coordination.