The Ministry of Education has planted over 71 million trees countrywide as part of their efforts towards the attainment of the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the trees had been planted through collaboration with various institutions and partners in the education sector.
The CS who presided over a tree-planting exercise to mark the 2025 Mazingira Day celebrations at Kenyoro Primary School in Marani Sub County, Kisii County, noted that all public and private primary schools had planted at least 2000 fruit trees as part of this year’s nationwide tree-planting drive.
The initiative was aimed at promoting environmental conservation and improving nutrition among students through the establishment of fruit tree orchards in the learning institutions.
“We received support from various institutions who donated tree seedlings to the schools, such as Kisii National Polytechnic and Riragia, to ensure the day is a success,” Ogamba said.
At least 5500 ceremonial, fruit, indigenous and exotic tree seedlings were planted at Kenyoro primary and secondary schools as well as Riragia Technical and Vocational College during the exercise.
The CS also established a fruit tree orchard at Kenyoro Primary School and both the school and Kisii National Polytechnic will work together to ensure the trees grow.
Ogamba called upon the residents of Kisii to plant at least a tree or two regularly to ensure the country meets the 15 billion target before 2032.
Further, he urged the school alumni networks to go back to their institutions and support the schools with infrastructure and other crucial projects.
The CS also donated a wide range of assorted textbooks and computers and promised infrastructural support to Kenyoro primary and secondary schools during his visit.
Kitutu Chache North Member of Parliament Japheth Nyakundi, who accompanied the CS, noted that Kenya had received global recognition for being at the forefront in planting trees which contribute to environmental conservation.
As such, Nyakundi encouraged the residents to continue planting trees to increase the country’s tree and forest cover as well as combat the effects of climate change.
Mazingira Day is celebrated annually on October 10, with the government calling upon citizens to plant trees and achieve the 15 billion target by 2032 under President William Ruto’s “Jaza Miti” programme.
By Mercy Osongo
