President Ruto leads tree growing drive as Kenya marks Mazingira Day 2026

H.E President of Kenya 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. The celebrations were held under the theme,“Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”

The event underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing climate change, restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening Kenya’s progress towards the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

During the celebrations, the President toured exhibitions showcasing innovations in environmental conservation and was briefed that 2 billion trees had been recorded on the Jaza Miti App. The milestone reflects progress towards the national tree-growing target and the country’s broader environmental restoration agenda.

In a move linking environmental conservation to economic empowerment, President Ruto distributed cocoa seedlings to farmers, marking a significant step towards establishing cocoa growing as a new agricultural value chain in Kenya.The initiative is expected to create income generating opportunities for farmers while promoting sustainable land use.

The President also unveiled aerial seeding technology to complement conventional tree growing methods, accelerate forest restoration and enhance the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes. The innovation is expected to strengthen restoration efforts, particularly in areas where conventional planting methods may be challenging.

He further 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 living around Mt. Elgon.

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

Also present were Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry) and Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration); Principal Secretaries Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Dr. Festus K. Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Mr. Harry Kimtai (Mining) and Dr. Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs); Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, Kenya Forestry Research Institute Director General Dr. Jane Njuguna and DirectorNational Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Dr. Memo B. Mamo , alongside other government officials, stakeholders and members of the public.