CS Barasa urges Kenyans to plant trees on Mazingira Day at their former schools
CS Deborah Barasa said the initiative is not just a one-day event but a continuous effort throughout October to encourage every Kenyan to play a role in greening the country.
The government has launched a month-long fruit tree planting campaign, with Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa urging Kenyans to return to their primary schools and plant trees on Mazingira Day, set for October 10, 2025.
The campaign, which will run throughout October, seeks to promote environmental conservation, food security, and community ownership in line with the national tree-growing agenda. The National Youth Service (NYS) will sell fruit seedlings across the country at designated sites for Sh150.
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Speaking during an interview on NTV, Barasa said the initiative is not just a one-day event but a continuous effort throughout October to encourage every Kenyan to play a role in greening the country.
She said the Ministry of Environment is working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that primary schools have fruit tree seedlings available for planting.
“We want the whole of October to be about planting fruit trees in primary. First of all, in primary schools, we are ensuring that we have fruit tree seedlings for you to plant. Secondly, we are saying that you need to donate. Go to your former primary school or one near you and plant a fruit tree. Along the road, we have specific sites which we will communicate where NYS will be selling fruit seedlings at Sh150," she said.
Barasa emphasised that community participation is the key to achieving the country’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
The CS noted that Kenya can learn from neighbouring Ethiopia, which has successfully implemented similar initiatives through community-driven approaches.
“We don’t want to drop the ball. We believe that as a country, we can achieve this through community ownership. If we all take part by going to the field, planting fruit trees, indigenous trees, and commercial trees, we will make a difference,” said Barasa.
Barasa also revealed that the government is in discussions with the National Treasury to ensure long-term funding for ecosystem restoration projects, allowing the programme to continue beyond the current administration.
She urged Kenyans to rally behind the campaign, noting that every fruit tree planted in a school will not only help restore the environment but also provide food and income for students and the wider community.
The Ministry of Education has also directed all schools to ensure learners attend classes on Friday, October 10, between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, and actively take part in tree planting exercises to mark Mazingira Day.
In a circular released on Thursday, Education PS Julius Bitok instructed all regional, county, and sub-county directors of education to communicate the directive to head teachers in both public and private schools.
Bitok urged them to encourage active participation from alumni, current learners, and the local community to ensure the success of the exercise.
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