[PHOTOS] Ruto leads Kenyans in national tree planting drive

President William Ruto during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

By Dennis Tarus
Monday, November 13, 2023

The exercise is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme which aims at growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

President William Ruto on Monday led Kenyans in planting trees during the gazetted National Tree Growing Day on Monday at the Kiu Wetland in Makindu, Makueni County.

The President planted the trees in the company of First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Soipan Tuya, and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr among other dignitaries.

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President William Ruto during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

President William Ruto plants a tree during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

The exercise is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme which aims at growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

President William Ruto plants a tree during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

"I want to thank all Kenyans who have all come together on this special day and set aside their political affiliations and differences because environmental matters know no boundaries. Climate change is a reality we can never wish away anymore," Ruto said.

First Lady Rachel Ruto plants a tree during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

The President said natural resources, particularly forests, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance, enhancing biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods of people and communities across Kenya.

President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

"If there is a plan that would ensure food security in our country and lower the cost of living in our country, it is that of environmental conservation," Ruto said.

President William Ruto plants a tree during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)

At the county level, the tree-growing activities were championed by Cabinet Secretaries in at least two counties, hosted by the respective governors and supported by Principal Secretaries, County Commissioners among other senior government and state officials.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto interact with locals during the National Tree Growing Day at the Kiu Wetland, Makueni County on 13 November 2023. (Photo: PCS)