On 23rd April 2025, Wajir Air Base (WAB) led a large-scale environmental initiative themed “Operation Shield the Earth.” The operation aimed to restore the arid landscape surrounding the Base by planting over 600 tree saplings and dispersing more than 4,000 acacia seedballs. This campaign highlights the Kenya Defence Forces’ ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and national development.
The event saw collaboration between various stakeholders, including Green Globe Realisation, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Wajir International Airport, and the Wajir County Government. Together with WAB personnel, these partners worked in unison to combat climate change and promote sustainable land restoration in the region.
The initiative aligns with the national tree-planting directive issued by President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of Kenya’s climate resilience strategy. This effort is also in line with the KDF’s Environmental Soldier Programme, which integrates environmental responsibility into military operations.
Lt Col Edward Kamau, Commanding Officer (CO) of Base Administration Wing, spoke on behalf of the Base Commander, Colonel Gideon Musyoki. He commended the selfless efforts of the service members and all stakeholders involved in addressing desertification and promoting food security. The CO emphasized the importance of the mission as a responsibility to the nation and future generations.
Key leaders involved in the event were Mr. Farah Ali, Chief Executive Director of Green Globe Realisation, Mr. Abdishakur Abdisalan Sheikh, County Director of Environment – NEMA Wajir and Dr. Ahmed Abdikadir Abdi, Director of Environment & Climate Change, Wajir County Government. Their leadership was instrumental in the success of the initiative, ensuring the operational and strategic coordination of activities.
Wajir Air Base continues to set the standard for integrating environmental stewardship into its operations. With regular tree planting exercises becoming a core part of its mission, WAB strives to become a model green base—supporting both mission readiness and environmental restoration. Through this campaign, WAB reaffirms its role as not just a defender of airspace but as a guardian of the earth.
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