The ‘short rains’ season in Kenya is always a crucial window for restoration—but this year, it was extraordinarily fruitful. Ideal weather played its part, but the results we achieved did not happen by chance. They are the outcome of a deliberate expansion strategy led by Green Earth’s experts with deep roots in Kenya, strong community partnerships, and a clear blueprint for scaling nature-based solutions.
Green Earth's team members at a tree nursery collecting ready-to-plant seedlings. Hongera Reforestation Project, Green Earth.
As we enter the next phase of the Hongera Reforestation Project, we’re proud to share the three major steps that defined this season—and how they are shaping the future of forest restoration across Kenya.
1. Expanding the land we restore: 60 New hectares planted
This season, our teams successfully planted 60 hectares across Laikipia, Nyandarua, and the greater Mount Kenya region.
To put that into perspective:
60 hectares = roughly 230 tennis courts—restored in just one planting window.
Drone photo of a large number of tree seedlings being distributed in Meru County. Hongera Reforestation Project, Green Earth.
These restored landscapes contribute to healthier watersheds, improved soil stability, and the gradual return of native biodiversity. Every hectare rehabilitated brings us closer to a future where Kenya’s forests are thriving, resilient, and able to support both people and wildlife.
Read more: Green Earth’s Hongera Reforestation Project: 600 hectares and growing
2. Expanding into new regions: Welcoming Meru County
One of the most exciting milestones this season was our entry into Meru County, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya.
Why this matters:
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Meru is home to critical water catchments that feed rivers and support millions of livelihoods.
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The region faces increasing pressure from agricultural expansion and fuelwood harvesting.
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Introducing large-scale reforestation here strengthens ecological connections between Mount Kenya forests and surrounding agricultural landscapes.
A Green Earth team member planting tree seedlings. Hongera Reforestation Project, Green Earth.
Expanding into Meru is a strategic step that increases the project’s footprint, enhances biodiversity corridors, and brings valuable co-benefits to new communities eager to participate.
Read more: The social impact of Green Earth’s projects
3. Expanding quality and resilience: Monitoring and planning for the next season
Planting trees is only the beginning. Ensuring that they survive, grow, and mature into long-lasting ecosystems is where long-term impact is created.
That’s why, as a crucial aspect of our planting season, our team:
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Monitors survival rates across all newly planted zones.
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Uses data to refine species selection, spacing, and planting techniques.
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Plans the upcoming planting season with improved methodologies.
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Works closely with communities to maintain young trees during their most vulnerable years.
By implementing robust monitoring and adaptive planning, we ensure every tree planted stands the best chance of thriving for decades to come.
Read more: What makes Green Earth’s reforestation projects unique?
Building a greener future, season by season
The Hongera Reforestation Project is designed for scale, durability, and community impact—and this planting season embodies all three.
From expanding land under restoration, to reaching new counties, to enhancing every planting cycle, each step moves Kenya closer to healthier forests and stronger communities.
As we continue to grow, so does the impact: more biodiversity restored, more families supported through restoration-driven jobs, and more landscapes protected for future generations.
A Green Earth team member planting a tree seedling in the soil. Hongera Reforestation Project, Green Earth.
This work is not just environmental—it’s transformational.
Through Green Earth’s nature-based solutions, every tree planted, and every hectare restored becomes part of a measurable, verifiable outcome.
These restored ecosystems generate high-quality carbon units rooted in real landscapes, real communities, and real resilience. For organisations seeking credible, sustainable solutions, Green Earth delivers impact you can see, trace, and trust.
