Officials of Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) have committed to planting trees every time they meeting to promote environmental conservation.
Knut's first National Vice Chair Malel Langat said officials of the union have agreed to play a proactive role in fighting climate change.
“We need to have tree planting as part of all our public engagements across our 110 branches,” he stated.
Langat added that branches will be planting at least 100 trees whenever they congregate as teachers.
Langat revealed the decision at ACK St Christopher's Church, Nakuru during the branch's Education Fund's Annual General Meeting.
He was accompanied by National Executive Committee members Alfred Rop, Alice Bor, Richard Lentaaya and Executive Secretary Tony Gioche.
Langat added that Knut is keen to “plug into the national, regional and the global campaign against climate change.”
“As usual our members are role models and this translates into having environmentally conscious learners,” he said.
During the 2023 Annual Delegates Conference held at Kasarani in Nairobi late last year, Knut resolved that the union should play a leading role in promoting environmental conservation through the planting of trees.
Members also agreed to foster environmental awareness and education in all their forums to shape the environmental mindset of learners.
The Government initiated planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, a move aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation and, restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative which was launched on December 22, 2022.
President William Ruto has pledged that 15 billion trees will boost Kenya's forest cover following the Horn of Africa region's recent worst drought in 40 years.
On November 13, 2023, Kenyans were given a special holiday to plant 100 million trees as part of the goal.
The holiday allowed every Kenyan to own the initiative, according to Environment Minister Soipan Tuya.
Each Kenyan was encouraged to plant at least two seedlings, leading to the 100-million target.
Ruto led the exercise in Makueni County. Cabinet ministers were sent to other regions to lead the process alongside governors and other national government officials.
