Government Intensifies Preparations for 2026 National Mazingira Day Celebrations

The Government has intensified preparations for the 2026 National Mazingira Day celebrations, with a joint media briefing held at the Kenya Forest Service Nairobi Conservancy Office to outline activities planned for the nationwide environmental campaign.

The briefing was addressed by Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Government Spokesperson Mr. Charles Owino, MBS and Mining Principal Secretary Mr. Harry Kimtai.

The celebrations will be held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, in Trans Nzoia County under the theme, “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”

The Green Challenge and national tree growing ceremony will commence at Konoin Primary School in Shikendu before proceeding to Kenya Seed Company’s Elgon Downs Farm in Endebess.

Mazingira Week, running from 5 to 10 October, targets the planting of 17.24 million trees, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to environmental restoration under the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme. The campaign brings together national and county governments, communities, institutions and other stakeholders in a coordinated effort to advance tree growing and environmental stewardship.

The celebrations will also highlight practical environmental solutions and opportunities across the environmental value chain. These include the Eco-Sort Takataka ni Mali initiative, the launch of the JazaMiti USSD Code, the Cocoa Value Chain and the flagging off of 5.3 million fruit tree seedlings.

Government institutions are also contributing to the national tree growing target. The Kenya Prisons Service will plant 1 million trees across 68 correctional facilities, while the National Youth Service (NYS) will plant 1.5 million trees following the passing out of servicemen and women.

The Government has reaffirmed that Mazingira Day is more than a one-day celebration but a national call for sustained environmental action. The focus will remain on tree growing, ecosystem restoration and the development of cleaner and healthier communities.

To strengthen accountability and ensure long-term impact, tree growing activities will be supported through geo-tagging, certification and tree survival tracking. These measures will enable the Government and communities to monitor planted trees and assess restoration outcomes over time.

Also present were Secretary for Forest Development Mr. George Tarus, Environment Secretary Dr. Selly Kimosop, Secretary Administration Mr. Patrick Meso, Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, among other senior Government officials and representatives.

The 2026 National Mazingira Day celebrations underscore the Government’s commitment to collective action in restoring Kenya’s environment and building a greener and more resilient future.