The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has so far planted over 15 million trees in support of the government’s Tree Growing Programme.
The Church has set aside an additional 10 acres of land in Kwale County where Christians will plant more trees on October 10.
ACK designated October 10 every year as a special day to pray for and celebrate nature during which Christians join community members in tree planting and clean-ups to help in conserving the environment.
The government launched the 15 billion Tree Growing initiative in December 2022 under the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme (2023–2032).
Through the programme, the government targets to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, restore degraded landscapes and increase the country’s tree cover to 30 per cent.
ACK Church Archbishop, Jackson Ole Sapit, said the tree-growing initiative, implemented through the Green Anglican Movement (GAM), is among programmes the church is undertaking to complement government efforts in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.
Archbishop Ole Sapit was speaking during the consecration and enthronement of the fourth Bishop of ACK Katakwa Diocese, Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru, at Amagoro Comprehensive School in Teso North Sub- County on Sunday.
He also urged political leaders to uphold peace, unity and responsible leadership by embracing one another and exercising restraint in their utterances as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The newly enthroned Bishop Ekuru pledged to build a sustainable diocese that addresses both the present and future needs of the people while strengthening collaboration with the Government.
He said the Diocese of Katakwa would scale up programmes in entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare, education and environmental conservation, including tree-growing initiatives under the Green Anglican Movement.
“We will partner with Government agencies and other like-minded organisations to deliver programmes that improve the livelihoods of our communities,” Bishop Ekuru said.
He added that the diocese would remain at the forefront of promoting peace, unity and social justice by speaking for the voiceless, advocating for the vulnerable and fostering harmonious coexistence.
By Elizabeth Achieng and Jane Kefrica
