President Ruto Leads Tree-Growing Drive as Kenya Marks Mazingira Day 2026

His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto led the nation in marking Mazingira Day 2026 in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation, tree growing and ecosystem restoration.

Held under the theme, “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship,” the celebrations highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing climate change, restoring degraded landscapes and advancing Kenya’s target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

During the event, the President toured exhibitions showcasing environmental conservation innovations and was briefed that 2 billion trees had been recorded on the Jaza Miti App, marking progress towards the national tree-growing target.

In a move to link environmental conservation with economic empowerment, President Ruto distributed cocoa seedlings to farmers to support the development of cocoa growing as a new agricultural value chain in Kenya. The initiative is expected to create income-generating opportunities while promoting sustainable land use.

The President also unveiled aerial seeding technology to complement conventional tree-growing methods and accelerate the restoration of degraded landscapes, particularly in areas where traditional planting methods may be challenging.

Additionally, he launched the Mt. Elgon Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme Strategic Plan 2026–2036, which provides a framework for restoring degraded forest ecosystems, protecting critical water catchments and improving the livelihoods of communities around Mt. Elgon.

The celebrations reinforced the Government’s commitment to integrating environmental sustainability with economic growth through tree growing, agroforestry, innovative restoration approaches and community participation. These efforts support Kenya’s ambition to achieve 30 per cent national tree cover by 2032 while strengthening climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Also present were Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Deborah M. Barasa (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration), Principal Secretaries Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Eng. Festus Ngeno (Environment and Climate Change), Mr. Harry Kimtai (Mining) and Ms. Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs).

Other officials included Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, Kenya Forestry Research Institute Director General Dr. Jane Njuguna and National Environment Management Authority Director General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, alongside other government officials, stakeholders and members of the public.