The primary role of the Kenya Armed Forces is to guard the country against external aggression, safeguard national interests and guarantee security. Modern day security involves more than the realist definition whose view of security is synonymous with defence of territory from external attack by other states. New forms of threat to nation-states include environmental disasters which are caused by neglect and abuse of the environment and these present a direct and immediate danger to our national security. The requirements of security today also embrace environmental protection since anything that degrades the quality of life impacts on security of the people.

Total national defence cannot therefore be achieved without the military defending our environment which has been seriously imperiled by a combination of factors including wanton deforestation. The vision of the Commander in relation to the environment is to actively involve the soldier in environmental protection, creating a partnership between the tree and the professional soldier. There is a deliberate effort to sensitize and create awareness amongst the members of the Kenyan Armed Forces on the need for total national defence against environmental degradation. Once soldiers internalize this concept, they will become eco-warriors and promote conservation and other measures to counter environmental degradation in their homes and communities.

The Environmental Soldier Programme initially started as the Kenya Army Environmental Soldier Programme in Sept 03. The Programme now covers the Kenya Air force and Kenya Navy. Well over 3 million seedlings have been planted in military cantonments in various parts of the country. The Programme has received a lot of support from the Green Belt Movement and the Ministry of Environment. With collaboration with partners the campaign has now been expanded to forest areas threatened by deforestation all over the country. It is envisioned that during the 2007/8 season, well over 2 million seedlings will be planted in various parts of our country.