- Duale said the initiative is in line with the government's commitment to environmental conservation.
- The Defence CS together with other senior KDF officials received an update on the tree-growing strategy, which will be led by the Defence Forces.
Image: ADEN DUALE/X
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale now says that the Kenya Defence Forces will plant at least 2.8 million trees in Nakuru and Isiolo counties.
In a statement on Wednesday, Duale said the initiative is in line with the government's commitment to environmental conservation.
The CS noted that the proactive strategy, championed by President William Ruto, emphasises the role KDF plays in national security and environmental protection.
"As Climate Change poses significant challenges, planting trees becomes a crucial step in mitigating its effects. The KDF's initiative not only strengthens the environment but also promotes community involvement and resilience," Duale said.
The Defence CS together with other senior KDF officials received an update on the tree-growing strategy, which will be led by the Defence Forces.
He added that this was done at the direction of the Head of State.
The top leadership of the KDF was represented by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Charles Kahariri, VCDF Lt. Gen John Omenda and the ACDF in charge of Operations, Doctrine and Training, Maj Gen Fred Leuria among others.
This is part of the larger initiative where the President aims to have over 15 billion trees planted in the next 10 years.
Last year, President William Ruto launched the National Tree Growing Day on November 13, 2023.
It marked Kenya’s commitment to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 with a key aim to restore 10.6 million hectares of forest.
Speaking at the event in Kiu Wetland Makueni county last year, Ruto said every tree planted is a breath of life for the nation.
This year, the President announced that Kenya's October 10 Public holiday has been renamed Mazingira Day, from Utamaduni Day.
The changes were effected after Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill.
"The Bill amends the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) to substitute Utamaduni Day with Mazingira Day as a public holiday to be observed on 10th October every year," a brief on the Bill reads.
"This seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation."
Mazingira Day, according to the new changes would be a day for all Kenyans to participate in environment conservation activities.
This will include tree planting in line with the government’s efforts towards accelerating forest restoration and ensuring that 15 Billion trees are planted by 2032.
This is one of the initiatives by the government of Kenya aimed at addressing the effects of climate change.