Mazingira Day: Ruto announces plan to produce 2 billion tree seedlings yearly

While commemorating Mazingira Day at State House, Nairobi, the president explained that 15,000 National Youth Service (NYS) personnel would partner with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to boost seedling production in all 300 nurseries. 

The move, he said, would reduce the adverse effects of climate change. 

 President Ruto emphasized that climate change is a global reality that must be addressed through practical interventions such as forest restoration and large-scale tree growing.

He highlighted the link between forest conservation and food security, noting that sustainable water catchments are vital for irrigation and agricultural productivity.

"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 posted on X. 

According to the head of state, each school is expected to plant at least 2,000 fruit seedlings on Mazingira Day, contributing to a national target of over 100 million seedlings in Kenya’s 35,000 primary schools.

Further, all government officials, under a whole-of-society approach, would return to their former primary schools to lead the planting of fruit trees. 

Alex Lemakoko, Chief Conservator of Forests, echoed Ruto's sentiments, citing that the tree-planting exercise would continue throughout the short rain season across the country.