Under the ‘Green Army’ program, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is currently hiring 4,000 tree nursery attendants.

The Green Army is anticipated to make a significant contribution to President William Ruto’s goal of planting 15 billion tree seedlings over the next ten years, according to KFS.

“Green Army workers will assist in the national tree growing and ecosystem restoration program by raising tree seedlings, and planting trees, silvicultural operations in forests among other forestry duties,” the government entity said in a press statement, adding that applications for the positions have been received.

KFS has also described its strategy for utilizing technology, which includes employing drones to monitor forests.

“This will ensure data-driven decision-making, and enhanced efficiency in tree planting and maintenance.”

In an effort to make the most of technology, KFS also contributed to the construction of the Jaza Miti App, a smartphone application for monitoring tree planting activities nationwide.

“The main objective of the Jaza Miti App is to provide information that enhances science-based smart greening activities by stakeholders in forest-based enterprises,” KFS said.

KFS manages 300 tree nurseries through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, and has plans to open 41 more, largely in ASAL areas.

The forests organization has urged Kenyans and other interested parties to work with it to increase tree growth during the current rainy season, which is anticipated to run until January 2024.