In commemoration of World Environment Day and in line with the Presidential directive on environmental conservation and the national tree-growing initiative, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), in collaboration with government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, undertook a series of coordinated environmental conservation activities across the country.
At Moi Barracks, service personnel from 9 Kenya Rifles, working alongside the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation, corporate partners and the local community, conducted a tree planting exercise aimed at restoring and conserving the Kakamega Forest ecosystem. The activity resulted in the planting of 20,115 indigenous tree seedlings while the 3rd Kenya Rifles (3KR), in partnership with the Equity Bank Foundation successfully planted 1,000 tree seedlings reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience
Further reinforcing this national effort, a multi-agency tree planting exercise was conducted at Hindi Comprehensive School in Lamu County culminating in the planting of 2,300 trees. The exercise, led by the Base Commander Kenya Navy Base Manda, Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, emphasized the importance of partnerships and community participation in achieving long-term climate action and environmental sustainability. The involvement of learners highlighted the need to nurture environmental awareness among future generations.
Complementing afforestation efforts, the Kenya Navy in collaboration with multiple stakeholders conducted a beach clean-up exercise at Kenyatta Public Beach and Voyager Beach in Mombasa County disposing of over one tonne of waste in efforts to restore the coastal ecosystems while promoting responsible waste management practices and environmental awareness.
In Chemolingot Town, KDF personnel, alongside the Kenya Red Cross, North Rift Vocational Training School and local schools, conducted a combined clean-up and tree planting exercise enhancing environmental sanitation, increased green cover and strengthened community awareness on sustainable environmental practices while highlighting the importance of community-driven approaches in addressing environmental challenges.
These initiatives reaffirm KDF’s commitment to the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy and the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, while highlighting the link between environmental security, national development and community well-being. Through sustained partnerships, coordinated action and community engagement, KDF and its partners continue to contribute towards safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage and securing a sustainable future for present and future generations.
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