Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, on 13 Dec 2024 led a tree-planting exercise at Dongo Kundu in Kwale County, supporting the government’s ambitious goal of planting over 15 billion trees by 2032. The initiative involved personnel from the Ministry of Defence, including military and civilian staff from Mariakani Garrison and Defence Headquarters.
The event also saw the participation of the local community, led by Kinango Member of Parliament Hon. Gonzi Rai, the Kenya Forest Service, County security teams headed by Deputy County Commissioner Lucy Ndemo, as well as corporate partners such as absa Bank and the Greens of Africa Foundation. A total of 60,000 indigenous mangrove trees were planted to help restore and conserve the mangrove forest.
Hon. Tuya emphasized the critical link between climate change, national security, and economic stability, underlining the importance of tree planting in combating the adverse effects of climate change. She described mangrove forests as vital ecological assets that protect coastlines from erosion, provide breeding grounds for fish, and play a significant role in carbon storage, contributing to climate change mitigation.
The CS also urged the local community to refrain from tree cutting, particularly for charcoal production, as it undermines conservation efforts. Instead, she encouraged residents to nurture the newly planted trees and expand reforestation activities. She further called on partners to support the community by purchasing tree seedlings locally to foster sustainable environmental practices.
This tree-planting exercise also marks the 60th anniversary of the Kenya Navy, with celebrations scheduled to take place at the Navy Headquarters in Mtongwe on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Key attendees included Defence Secretary Administration Mr. Isaack Masinde, Mariakani Garrison Commander Brigadier Douglas Mokwena, and other senior officials from Defence Headquarters.
The initiative underscores the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to environmental conservation and its role in advancing the national tree-planting agenda.
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