The government has announced plans to plant more than 100 million fruit trees in primary schools across the country during this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations, scheduled for October 14, 2025.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa made the announcement on Wednesday during a media breakfast held at Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, where the Ministry unveiled its plan to promote tree growing and environmental stewardship across the country.
Dr. Barasa said the initiative seeks to promote environmental restoration while improving nutrition and food security among schoolchildren.
“This year’s Mazingira Day is not just about planting trees; it’s about growing a culture of care, giving back to our communities, and reconnecting with our roots,” she said.
This year’s celebrations will be marked under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship,” which calls on every Kenyan to take personal responsibility in protecting and restoring the environment.
IN PICTURES;: Cabinet Secretary for @Environment_Ke Dr. @DeboraBarasa , alongside senior officials from the Forestry and Environment sectors, hosted a media breakfast in Nairobi ahead of the 10th Mazingira Day celebrations.
She noted that over 1.06 billion trees have been… pic.twitter.com/SHpLPbfpWe
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) October 8, 2025
Principal Secretary for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, said Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior government officials will lead tree-planting activities in their former primary schools as part of a symbolic “national homecoming” aimed at inspiring Kenyans to follow suit.
“Mazingira Day is a day of reflection and renewal. We want to remind Kenyans that protecting the environment begins from where we came from, our roots, our schools, and our communities.” said Mugambi.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has also pledged full support for the nationwide tree-growing exercise. Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the Service has produced more than 100 million seedlings, with 25 million ready for planting during the short rains season.
Mr. Lemarkoko urged Kenyans to nurture the trees after planting to ensure survival and lasting impact.
“Let us not just plant; let us grow trees,” he said, encouraging citizens to buy seedlings from local community groups and donate them to schools for planting.
The 2025 Mazingira Day celebrations will be held simultaneously across all 47 counties, with the national event taking place in Nakuru County.
The day will feature tree planting, environmental clean-up activities, and sensitization campaigns on sustainable living.
Dr. Barasa expressed confidence that this year’s campaign will deepen Kenya’s culture of environmental stewardship.
Environment, Climate Change and Foresty Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Baraza addressing the press during a Media breakfast meeting at Sarova Stanley. Photo/Courtesy
“When we go back to our roots and give back to the schools that shaped us, we are not only honoring our past but securing our children’s future,” she said.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has urged all Kenyans, young and old, rural and urban, to take part in the celebrations and make Mazingira Day 2025 a milestone in the country’s journey toward a greener, cleaner, and more food-secure future.
