The Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon. Aden Duale and his counterpart from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Hon. Soipan Tuya, today led a team from their respective ministries in a tree planting exercise dubbed ‘National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Campaign’ at Embakasi Garrison.
The exercise is aimed at combatting climate change and attaining 30% forest cover from 12.1% by 2032 as directed by the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Forces His Excellency William Ruto.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has so far planted over 12 million trees since the inception of the tree-growing initiative, with 750,000 trees planted this month alone.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has dedicated every fourth Wednesday of the month to tree growing in a bid to achieve its target of 45 million trees by 2032. Today, KDF has planted over 30,000 trees, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Speaking during the exercise, CS Defence highlighted the importance of tree planting for KDF, saying that climate change is a threat multiplier and mitigating its effects is a force multiplier which explains why KDF is actively involved in the crucial fight against climate change.
CS Duale further underscored the Ministry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by developing the Defence Environmental Security Docket to address issues related to climate change and pollution control.
On her part, Hon Tuya lauded the KDF for the efforts they have put in so far in the tree-growing initiative, leading by example. She further demonstrated her faith towards KDF saying they are the greatest partners in Environmental matters.
Hon Tuya emphasized the importance of coming together and partnering in this initiative to actualize the set targets. She added that of most importance is the growing and taking care of the trees for future generations.
Present at the event were Principal Secretary Defence Mr. Patrick Mariru, State Department of Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, General Officer Commanding Eastern Command (GOC Eastcom) Major General Luka Kutto and senior officers.
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