Planting 10 Million Trees with Lukenya University in Kenya: Methodology, Preliminary Observations and Forecasts

Lukenya University has recently begun implementing a Ten Million Tree Growing Initiative, as part of a larger national multi-institutional country-wide tree growing program. In this paper, we describe the methods used for tree selection and planting. Most of the trees are not planted directly by the institution but given to farmers for planting on their land. Based on years of experience with the biology of the respective trees and the social interaction with small holder communities, instructions such as how to (i) choose a location, (ii) technically perform the planting and (iii) on maintenance to ensure greater success for the tree in its surrounding environment were given. A subsample of ten selected tree species was monitored for survival and growth. After two years of operation, preliminary data revealed the success of instructions. We analyze growth performance, tree survival in detail and present estimates of carbon sequestration and the economic value of the trees for the community. Summarizing, the paper presents a comprehensive transparent display of a tree growing initiative, a common endeavor motivated to maximize social welfare and climate change resilience, and in doing so, knowledge of best practices for these purposes is developed. Supplementary Material File (13.10.25 final_tree_growing_initiative_sp_pk_sp.docx) - Download - 368.59 KB Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License.

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 197views 98downloads Citations Download citation Protus Kyalo, Vyacheslav Kungurtsev, Esther Muli, et al. Planting 10 Million Trees with Lukenya University in Kenya: Methodology, Preliminary Observations and Forecasts. Authorea. 14 October 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176041673.37660328/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176041673.37660328/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.