Nairobi — The African Development Bank (ADB) yesterday pledged to finance an ambitious afforestation programme to enable Kenya achieve a 10 per cent forest cover.

A special team appointed to oversee the implementation of the project said Kenya was among selected African countries to benefit from the project. The entire project is expected to cost Sh38 billion

The project, dubbed Green Zones Development Support Project shall involve conservation of natural forest resources as well assisting rural communities to plant trees on their farms. The bank has identified Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation and Forest Department to implement the project that is expected to run for the next five years.

Agriculture minister Kipruto arap Kirwa welcomed the project, saying its impact will be appreciated at the national and local levels.

He was speaking at the Kenya Utalii College during a workshop attended by key stakeholders who will be involved in the implementing of the project.

Chiji Ojukwu, the ADB team leader, told the workshop that Kenya has so far benefited from similar projects for which the bank had spent Sh984 million.