Wetang’ula urges Kenyans to embrace tree planting as patriotic duty

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula waters a tree after planting to mark Mazingira Day on October 10, 2025. /PARLIAMENT

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Kenyans to take a leading role in environmental conservation by embracing tree planting as a patriotic duty to safeguard the country’s future.

In a message shared on his social media platforms during the commemoration of Mazingira Day, Wetang’ula said Kenya is making remarkable progress in its quest to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 — an initiative aimed at combating the effects of climate change and restoring degraded ecosystems.

“To combat climate change, the government is targeting the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032 to increase our forest cover. I urge all Kenyans, institutions and communities to support this noble cause by planting at least one fruit tree. This not only promotes environmental conservation but also enhances food and nutritional security,” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker emphasised that Greening Kenya means transforming the world into a better place for generations to come.

“The journey to restore our forests with indigenous trees may be long and demanding, but it is a necessary investment for our country’s posterity. The generations after us will depend on the actions we take today,” he said.

Wetang’ula added that every Kenyan has a responsibility to support biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife through tree planting.

“Planting trees remains one of the most effective ways to restore and expand forest cover, protect fragile ecosystems and preserve biological diversity,” he noted.

He further highlighted the National Assembly’s role in enacting legislation that promotes environmental sustainability, citing the Kenya Forest Policy (2014), Land Act (2012), Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016), and the National Climate Change Response Strategy — all of which provide frameworks to guide tree planting and forest protection efforts.

“Environmental conservation is crucial for protecting biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem stability and ensuring sustainable resource management,” added the speaker.

Under President William Ruto’s Jaza Miti initiative, Kenya aims to achieve 30 per cent forest cover by 2032, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and rehabilitate degraded landscapes.

The programme encourages every Kenyan to plant at least 30 trees annually in support of the national restoration efforts.

To accelerate these efforts, Ruto said the government will establish 17 mega nurseries to produce two billion seedlings every year for Kenyans to plant.

He said the Kenya Forest Service, working with the National Youth Service, will mobilise 15,000 NYS personnel to revive 300 nurseries across all forests to make the vision a reality.

"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. This initiative will also protect our water catchments and reduce the effects of climate change," Ruto said.

He was speaking after he joined State House Primary School pupils for a tree planting exercise to mark Mazingira Day at State House, Nairobi.

Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, State Corporation chairpersons, CEOs and senior government officers spearheaded the exercise in their respective former primary schools.