MINISTRY OF DEFENCE COMMEMORATES MAZINGIRA DAY WITH NATIONAL TREE PLANTING EFFORT

The Ministry of Defence joined the nation in celebrating Mazingira Day with extensive tree planting activities across the country.

Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, led the event at Nairobi University’s Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, where over 12,000 indigenous and exotic tree seedlings were planted.

General Kahariri praised the Institute’s dedication to environmental sustainability and emphasized the importance of tree planting in enhancing environmental and food security. He called for continued efforts to expand Kenya’s forest cover.

The initiative was mirrored nationwide, with senior Ministry and KDF leaders leading similar activities:
• In Laikipia County, Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru, led a tree-planting effort in Nanyuki, where 16,000 trees were planted. He highlighted the military’s collaboration with local communities through the “Shamba System,” promoting both environmental and food security.

• In Vihiga County, Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lt Gen John Omenda, oversaw the planting of 5,000 trees in Maragoli Forest. He stressed the importance of military-community collaboration in driving positive environmental change.

• Commander Kenya Army, Lt Gen David Tarus, led the planting of 19,000 tree seedlings in Gilgil and other Army establishments, urging participants to care for the trees to maturity and extend the initiative to their communities.

• Commander Kenya Air Force, Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed, took part in the planting of 10,000 trees at Moi Air Base and other Air Force Bases. She emphasized the Air Force’s role in supporting national environmental goals, highlighting the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change.

• In Mombasa County, Commander Kenya Navy, Maj Gen Paul Otieno, led Navy personnel in planting 76,000 trees at Kenya Navy Base, Mtongwe and other Navy installations, stressing the Navy’s commitment to a sustainable future.
These efforts align with the vision of the Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aiming to combat climate change and secure Kenya’s environmental future.