President William Ruto joined by pupils from State House Primary School in a symbolic tree-planting exercise on Mazingira Day, October 10, 20205. /PCS
The government has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at realising President William Ruto’s 15-billion tree target by 2032 by establishing 17 mega nurseries, each with a capacity to produce 25 million seedlings.
President Ruto made the announcement on Mazingira Day 2025, which he marked by planting trees at State House, Nairobi, alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto.
They were received by Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and joined by pupils from State House Primary School in a symbolic tree-planting exercise to nurture environmental awareness among young people.
“We call on every Kenyan to make their contribution to the national tree-planting drive as we work towards our ambitious goal of 15 billion trees by 2032,” the President said.
He added that the government will ensure seedlings are accessible across the country to make the vision a reality.
“The Kenya Forest Service, working with the National Youth Service, will mobilise 15,000 NYS personnel to revive 300 nurseries in all our forests and establish 17 mega nurseries to produce two billion seedlings every year for Kenyans to plant,” Ruto said.
President William Ruto joined by pupils from State House Primary School in a symbolic tree-planting exercise on Mazingira Day, October 10, 20205. /PCSThe President noted that the seedlings will include fruit trees to boost food security and economic opportunity.
“The seedlings will include fruit trees to strengthen not only our food security, but also create opportunities for export, agro-processing, and generate jobs and wealth for our people,” he said.
“This initiative will also protect our water catchments and reduce the effects of climate change.”
The tree-growing drive is part of the African Landscape Restoration Initiative, launched on December 22, 2022, through which Kenya seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stop and reverse deforestation, and restore 5.1 million hectares of degraded land.
As part of this year’s celebrations, the government aims to plant 100 million trees nationwide, under the Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society approach.
Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and heads of State corporations led exercises at their former primary schools, with each school expected to plant at least 2,000 fruit trees, contributing to the national target of over 100 million seedlings.
As part of this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations, the government aims to plant 100 million trees nationwide. /PCSChief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the exercise will continue throughout the short rain season to ensure high survival rates.
Among those present at the State House event were Principal Secretary for Environment Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok, and KFS Board Chair Titus Korir, alongside other senior government officials.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni leads the #TurudiPrimo campaign at Ngiriambu Comprehensive Primary School.The initiative drew cross-party support, with former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i commending the drive.
“Let us remember that we are stewards of our environment. The choices we make today will define the inheritance of generations to come,” Matiang’i said.
In Kirinyaga County, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni led the #TurudiPrimo campaign at Ngiriambu Comprehensive Primary School, encouraging Kenyans to return to their former schools to plant or donate fruit trees and engage in community clean-ups.
“Through fruit tree planting, communities are enhancing food security, biodiversity, and environmental renewal, while inspiring a culture of sustainability and shared responsibility,” Muthoni said.
With the rollout of mega nurseries and coordinated nationwide action, Kenya is taking bold steps toward achieving its 15-billion-tree vision—a cornerstone of the country’s climate action and ecological restoration agenda.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni leads the #TurudiPrimo campaign at Ngiriambu Comprehensive Primary School.
