Kenya Navy marks 60th anniversary with tree planting initiative

The Kenya Navy has marked its 60th anniversary by embarking on a tree planting initiative aimed at promoting environmental conservation.

In collaboration with Base Titanium, the Navy has joined efforts to restore ecosystems around the mining site, contributing to ongoing rehabilitation programmes.

Head of the Kenya Naval Training College, Canal Benson Karuimbo, emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability, explaining that the Navy has been actively engaged in conservation efforts.

“We have a restoration program known as the Environmental Soldiers Programme. This programme was established as our contribution to environmental conservation. The environment is vital to us, and if we take care of it, it will take care of us. Today, we are planting trees as part of our efforts to combat the global challenge of climate change ,” Mr Karuimbo said.

The Navy team, led by Karuimbo, included 100 soldiers who had initially planned to plant 10,000 trees, with each soldier responsible for 100 trees.

However, due to space constraints, they had to adjust the target slightly.

“We had planned to plant 10,000 trees, but due to the limited space, we have had to reduce the number. Regardless, our commitment to environmental restoration remains steadfast. This is our way of contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for both humans and animals,” he said.

The tree planting event was also an opportunity for the Navy to strengthen its ties with the local community.

“We wanted to celebrate this milestone by engaging with the community,” Mr Karuimbo explained.

Adding that the initiative is not only about environmental conservation but also about building a strong relationship between the soldiers and the people.

General Manager of External Affairs at Base Titanium Simon Walls expressed his gratitude for the Navy’s participation in the rehabilitation efforts.

He highlighted the progress that Base Titanium has made in restoring the land after exploration activities.

“The mining site is divided into four(4) parts--the Northern, Southern, Central Dune, and Mkurumudzi. We have already completed the restoration of the Northern Dune and are about 50-75 percent done with the Central Dune. By June 20, 2025, we expect to have completed the restoration of the entire area ,” he explained.

Walls also acknowledged the Navy’s involvement in the restoration process, stating they are honored to welcome the Kenya Navy to the mine as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations.

"They are not just here to learn about the mining site but to actively participate in our environmental rehabilitation efforts. The Navy will be planting 1,500 trees today, furthering our mission to restore the ecosystem," he said.

He further explained the rehabilitation process, saying, the restoration involves reshaping the land, returning the topsoil, and planting grass.

"These efforts are essential in ensuring that the ecosystem returns to its natural state," he said.

In addition to the environmental restoration efforts, Walls also addressed the issue of employees who may lose their jobs as a result of the mining operations coming to an end by December.

“We are committed to ensuring that workers who may be affected by the closure of certain areas are empowered and provided with opportunities to transition to other roles,” he said.

Adding that the skills and experience they have gained at Base Titanium will undoubtedly help them in future endeavors.