Kenya Forest Service (KFS) plans to scale up dryland forestry by positioning the melia volkensii tree as a drought-tolerant, high-value species capable of diversifying forestry systems.

KFS Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Clement Ngoriareng said melia volkensii tree is key in strengthening timber security and enhancing livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during the launch of Guidelines on Commercial Growing of melia volkensii Trees in Drylands of Kenya and  Standard Operating Procedures for Forest Ecosystem Services, Dr Ngoriareng said the launch of these documents reflects their strong institutional alignment and a shared commitment to translating policy into impact.

He underlined the strategic importance of these tools in advancing Kenya’s 15 billion tree growing initiative and the 30 per cent tree cover target. He further noted that success will hinge on effective implementation, sustained research, strong extension services and adequate financing.

Department for Forestry Secretary Administration Patrick Meso outlined the need to bridge the policy-practice gap. Mr Meso noted that the guidelines offer actionable pathways for operationalising national forestry policies and called for coordinated implementation across national and county governments, the private sector and local communities.

Project Formulation Advisor at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tae Ose highlighted Japan’s long-standing technical cooperation with Kenya’s forestry sector, particularly through the SFS-CORECC project.

Ms Ose emphasised capacity building, strengthened forest monitoring systems and the importance of science-based, practical tools. She situated the initiative within broader global cooperation frameworks such as Tokyo International Conference on African Development and reinforced commitments to climate resilience, landscape restoration and community livelihoods.

Project Manager for SFS-CORECC Beatrice Atemo provided an overview of the two documents, highlighting their alignment with both national priorities and international commitments and their contribution to Kenya’s global environmental and climate obligations.

all speakers, a consistent message emerged: while these frameworks are transformative, their impact will ultimately depend on effective implementation, strong partnerships and sustained investment at the landscape level.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Joseph Ng’ang’a