President William Ruto’s cabinet on Wednesday, March 13, ordered action on the Prosophis Julifora tree which has caused destruction in 22 counties.
The tree which is locally known as "Mathenge" has been identified as contributing immensely to the loss of grazing land in Kenya.
Ruto’s cabinet was also informed that the tree had significantly reduced the percentage of arable land in Kenya.
Other harmful effects that the Mathenge Tree has caused as cited by the government include; the destruction of biodiversity, wetlands and national parks.
"The tree species was introduced in the 1970s to mitigate soil erosion, fuelwood shortages, inadequate livestock fodder, and other challenges associated with bare lands in the Arid and Semi-arid areas (ASALs)," a dispatch from the cabinet read in part.
"Subsequently, however, it was realized that its rapid spread leads to loss of biodiversity and farmlands, increased livestock deaths arising from consumption of its leaves and thorns, and increased spread of malaria."
In light of that, the Cabinet resolved that the Environment, Agriculture and Energy ministries form an inter-ministerial committee to deal with the invasion.
The government is not seeking to permanently uproot the trees across the country but find advantageous ways to use the plant.
Ruto’s cabinet floated the idea of researching if the tree could be a viable source of renewable energy.
Other ways the tree can be used include; wood products and modern ways of using charcoal that does not emit carbon.
In January 2024, the Ministry of Environment revealed that the tree was brought to Kenya in 1948 with a view to combat land degradation and desertification.
The tree however turned out to be invasive causing losses in 22 counties with 16 of them declared to be more at risk.
The plant was first introduced to North Eastern. With the ability to spread at a rate of 15 per cent yearly, it has almost eradicated all indigenous trees in the region.
Counties where the tree has become a menace include; Turkana, Tana-River, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Baringo, Kilifi, Samburu, Mandera, Wajir, Kwale, Lamu, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Mombasa, Migori, Kitui, and West-Pokot.
