Planting Hope, Growing Tomorrow: Kenya Gears Up for Mazingira Day 2025

By David Macharia                                                           The spirit of environmental renewal filled the air this morning as government officials, environmental leaders, and members of the media gathered in Nairobi for a special breakfast meeting ahead of this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations.

The event, graced by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa as the chief guest, focused on building momentum for the Citizen-Centric Tree Growing Initiative and preparations for Mazingira Day 2025, set to take place on October 10 across the country.
PHOTO: Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa issuing her address to the media
The media breakfast brought together key sector leaders, among them Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, KEFRI CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna, Forest Development Secretary George Tarus, and #15BillionTrees Secretariat Coordinator Ms. Susan Boit. Their common goal was to mobilize Kenyans to act for the environment and make this year’s celebration the biggest yet.


Planting Hope, Growing Tomorrow: Kenya Gears Up for Mazingira Day 2025.
In her keynote address, Dr. Barasa described Mazingira Day as a national moment of reflection, renewal, and responsibility. She emphasized that the day goes beyond tree planting it is about empowering citizens to take ownership of the environment and secure a greener, cleaner Kenya for generations to come.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.” At the heart of the campaign is the inspiring initiative #TurudiPrimo, a movement inviting Kenyans to return to their former primary schools to donate and plant fruit trees while cleaning and greening the school environment.

“Our schools are where values are first planted,” Dr. Barasa said. “By going back, we not only plant trees but also nurture a spirit of care and responsibility in the next generation.”

The initiative carries a strong human touch. It’s about rekindling memories, giving back to communities, and ensuring that children grow up surrounded by fruit-bearing trees symbols of nourishment, continuity, and hope.

Dr. Barasa revealed that each school is expected to plant at least 2,000 fruit trees, with learners receiving additional seedlings to take home. The National Youth Service will make seedlings available at KSh 150 each across all counties to ensure widespread participation.

This year’s celebrations will see President William Ruto, alongside Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and state corporation heads, lead the nationwide exercise by returning to their former schools to plant trees and spearhead community clean-ups.

Since the launch of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme in December 2022, Kenya has already planted over 1.06 billion trees a reflection of the nation’s collective determination to restore its forests and combat climate change.


Beyond the trees, the Ministry is strengthening environmental policies and laws to ensure lasting impact, including the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill 2025 and new regulations to promote sustainable forest trade and green investments.

Dr. Barasa noted that Mazingira Day aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, connecting environmental conservation with economic empowerment through green jobs, bamboo enterprises, and agroforestry value chains.

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

As preparations gather pace, Dr. Barasa urged the media to walk hand in hand with the government in amplifying the message of collective environmental action.

From the bustling streets of Nairobi to quiet villages in Trans Nzoia and Kilifi, Kenyans are being reminded that caring for the earth begins at home. And when the nation gathers on Mazingira Day 2025, it won’t just be about planting trees it will be about planting hope, nurturing life, and growing tomorrow

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