CABINET SECRETARY DR. DEBORAH BARASA JOINS CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA IN TREE PLANTING TO MARK 60TH ANNIVERSARY.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah M. Barasa,  joined the leadership of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the The National Treasury and Economic Planning and key stakeholders from the financial sector for a tree planting exercise at Karura Forest to commemorate the Central Bank’s 60th Anniversary.

The event, hosted by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, was led by the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Kamau Thugge, and underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing Kenya’s ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 and increasing national tree cover to 30 percent.

Speaking during the ceremony, CS Barasa congratulated the Central Bank of Kenya on six decades of distinguished service to the nation, describing the institution as a pillar of Kenya’s economic stability and resilience. She commended the Bank for choosing to commemorate its milestone through tree planting, noting that the initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and intergenerational responsibility.

The Cabinet Secretary, who was accompanied by the Secretary for Forest Development, George Tarus, highlighted the forestry sector’s growing contribution to the national economy. Citing the 2026 Economic Survey, she noted that the sector contributes an estimated KSh 396.7 billion annually, underscoring its significance in supporting livelihoods, environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth.

CS Barasa called upon financial institutions to increase investments in agroforestry, commercial forestry, bamboo production, carbon markets and ecosystem restoration initiatives. She emphasized that climate risks are increasingly becoming financial risks and urged the banking sector to champion innovative green financing mechanisms that will accelerate landscape restoration and strengthen Kenya’s climate resilience.

The Cabinet Secretary also appealed to the Central Bank of Kenya and its partners to support the upcoming Mazingira Day celebrations in Trans Nzoia County through the donation of fruit tree seedlings and the adoption of restoration sites within the Kakamega Forest and Mount Elgon Forest ecosystems.

In his remarks, Dr. Thugge said the selection of Karura Forest as the venue for the launch of the CBK@60 celebrations was deliberate, emphasizing that “the story of a stable currency and the story of a healthy environment are bound together.” He noted that the tree growing exercise is the flagship activity of the Bank’s anniversary celebrations and reflects CBK’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and supporting Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon, green economy.

The Governor reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the Government’s national tree growing programme, observing that just as a strong tree depends on deep roots, Kenya’s financial stability is built on the values, resilience and trust that have guided the institution for the past six decades.

Also in attendance were the National Coordinator of the 15 Billion Trees Programme, Susan Boit, members of the CBK Board, representatives of financial institutions and other distinguished guests.

The tree planting exercise reaffirmed the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing Kenya’s environmental conservation agenda and achieving the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.