The Kenya Defence Forces was simultaneously planting trees across the country as the fourth Wednesday of every month is their day to plant trees. MoD was allocated the counties of Nakuru and Isiolo for tree growing. Their National Ecosystem Restoration Initiative has seen the growth of 750,000 tree seedlings in the month of May and 30 million since the initiative was launched.

CS Duale highlighted that the Kenya Defence Forces is working towards the reduction of their carbon footprint through tree growing. He emphasized the importance of continuing the tree planting efforts beyond this event, with the involvement of various stakeholders, including the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, National Youth Service, and non-governmental organizations.

Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya emphasized the importance of trees in the fight against climate change, calling it an “existential threat” that requires “all hands on deck.”” Tuya stressed the need to ensure the growth of the planted trees to maturity, with the support of development partners.

The PS Forestry Mugambi Gitonga and Ps Defence Patrick Mariru were also present. KFS was represented by DCCF Drylands Dr. Clement Ngoriareng, Nairobi County Forest Conservator Margaret Wanjiru, and other KFS officials. Partners present included Equity Bank and Green Belt Movement.