Ruto: Kenya to Plant Five Billion Trees in Five Years to Combat Climate Change

President Ruto has pledged to plant five billion trees in the next five years and 10 billion in 10 years as part of the efforts to combat climate change.

Ruto announced the plan on Wednesday during a joint media briefing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at State House, Nairobi, where the two leaders held bilateral talks. 

The president further committed that Kenya will join the 'Alliance Against Desertification' that Spain is building jointly with Senegal to tame climate change.

"We have already taken the policy direction that we are going to plant five billion trees in the next five years and another 10 billion trees in the next ten years. That is going to contribute significantly to the fight against desertification and the challenges that come with climate change," said Ruto.

He said the venture will provide room for both Kenya and Spain to take a common position ahead of Sharm El Sheikh Climate Change Conference (COP 27) set to be held in Egypt on November 18th.

"You can count on my support and that of my government and ensure that we take a common position Sham El Sheikh later next month so that we can be able to discuss on effects of climate change especially that of drought, loss of wildlife and livestock and threat to human life," he added.

On his part, Sánchez reiterated his commitment to working with Kenya to strengthen bilateral ties and also increase Spain’s presence in Kenya. Sánchez is the first-ever Spanish Prime Minister to visit Kenya.