CS Barasa roots Citizen-Centric climate action ahead of Mazingira day 2025

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The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has called on Kenyans to take personal responsibility in restoring the environment as the country gears up for this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations.

Speaking during a media breakfast on Wednesday in Nairobi, Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa said the 2025 celebrations will be held under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”

“This year, our celebrations will be held under the theme Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship. It is a call to action for every Kenyan to take personal responsibility for restoring our environment,” Dr Barasa said.

“It’s about more than planting trees, it’s about growing a culture of care, giving back to our communities, and reconnecting with our roots,” she added.

The CS noted that since the launch of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme in December 2022, Kenya has planted over 1.06 billion trees, marking significant progress toward achieving 30 percent national tree cover by 2032.

“Since the launch of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme in December 2022, Kenya has planted over 1.06 billion trees. This is a demonstration of the collective spirit that drives our country—the belief that change begins with each of us,” Dr Barasa stated.

She emphasized that Mazingira Day is not just about trees but about people and collective responsibility toward a greener nation.

“Mazingira Day is not just about trees—it’s about people. It’s about unity, renewal, and responsibility. Let us go back to our roots, plant fruit trees, clean our schools, and grow the future we want for Kenya,” she said.

Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi urged Kenyans to take advantage of the short rains season to scale up planting efforts.

“Friday is just the start. We want the exercise to continue throughout the short rains season so that we plant as much as we can,” Mugambi said.

Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko said preparations were complete to ensure coordinated nationwide activities.

“We are ready as a ministry—this is where the rubber meets the road,” Lemarkoko stated.

Kenya Forestry Research Institute CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna said KEFRI has propagated millions of seedlings suited for different regions to support the campaign.

“KEFRI is ready to supply fruit tree seedlings and guide Kenyans on what species to plant where,” Dr. Njuguna noted.

CS Baras underscored the media’s role in amplifying the national call to action dubbed “Turudi Primo, Tukadonate Fruit Trees na Tukaclean Environment,” which aims to mobilize citizens to plant trees, clean their surroundings, and foster a spirit of environmental stewardship.

The upcoming Mazingira Day, to be held on 10th October, will bring together government agencies, county governments, schools, civil society, and citizens across the country to promote ecosystem restoration and strengthen climate resilience.