The National campaign to accelerate tree planting gained momentum in Tharaka-Nithi County on Thursday, as Mazingira Day celebrations at Township Primary School in Chuka brought together government officials, students, and the local community for a day focused on climate action and sustainability.
Senior Deputy Secretary in the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Elvis Korir, led the event on behalf of Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, emphasising the government’s commitment to youth involvement in climate action.
“Tree planting is not a one-day event but a long-term investment in the planet and our future generations. Through schools, we can build a culture of environmental stewardship, starting with the youngest citizens,” said Mr Korir.
While Township Primary School was the host of the main event, it could only accommodate 1,000 trees due to space constraints.
To meet the overall target of 2,000 fruit trees, Korir extended additional planting activities at Kibumbu Primary School, where 400 fruit trees were planted; DEB Primary School (400 fruit trees); and Chuka Girls High School (200 fruit trees).
Korir also noted the nutritional benefits of planting fruit trees, especially for school-going children, saying the campaign aligns with the broader goals of improving food security and promoting healthy diets.
Speaking at the event, Elizabeth Kariuki, Deputy County Forest Conservator, said the exercise is part of the government’s broader vision to plant 15 billion trees by 2030, in line with President William Ruto’s climate and reforestation Agenda.
“We are not just focused on tree planting but on tree growing. That’s why we’re encouraging each child to adopt a tree at school and take another home to plant and nurture it,” said Ms Kariuki.
She said that Tharaka-Nithi County currently has a 27.9 per cent tree cover, just short of the 30 per cent national target, and has set an ambitious goal of reaching 32 per cent.
To get there, the County aims to plant 13.4 million trees, with four million already planted to date.
Kariuki credited the progress to a County-wide tree planting project supported by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), which has so far produced over two million seedlings from its nurseries.
“We urge parents, farmers, and institutions to collect these seedlings from our nurseries and continue planting. The seedlings are available, and the time to act is now,” said Ms Kariuki.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
