“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope,” reflected Wangari Maathai, Kenya’s esteemed environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Her words capture the essence of the country’s recent commitment to environmental revitalization.
On November 13, 2023, a landmark moment in Kenya’s environmental journey unfolded. The government declared the country’s first National Tree Planting Holiday, an initiative uniting people under the goal of planting 100 million trees. Led by President William Ruto, this initiative represents a proactive step toward enhancing Kenya’s natural landscape and addressing environmental concerns, aligning with Maathai’s vision of fostering peace and hope through environmental care.
President William Ruto, in advocating for this initiative, emphasized the importance of collective action in environmental conservation. “Conservation of the environment is our time’s urgent and collective responsibility,” he stated, highlighting the need for a united approach to nurture and protect the natural environment.
The first step in turning Kenya green
This inaugural tree-planting event was the first in a series of steps toward an ambitious goal: planting 15 billion trees by 2032. This plan not only confronts the issue of declining forest cover, which fell from 10 percent in 1963 to 6 percent in 2009, but also aligns with Kenya’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030. The loss of over 28,000 hectares of forest in key water tower regions between 2000 and 2010 further underscores the necessity of such initiatives.
Mobilizing a nation for change
President Ruto’s vision extends beyond mere policy announcements. In an extensive mobilization effort, cabinet secretaries, county governors, and government officials were dispatched nationwide to lead the charge. To facilitate citizen participation, the government provided a generous supply of 150 million free saplings, making them easily accessible in public places across the country.
Overcoming challenges, celebrating unity
Despite facing logistical challenges, such as the last-minute announcement of the public holiday and adverse weather conditions, the Kenyan people’s response was nothing short of inspiring. In Nairobi’s Ngong Forest, one of the key reforestation sites, families, students, environmental groups, and government officials gathered, undeterred by the morning rains and muddy terrain. This massive turnout, albeit impeded by some unaware of where to obtain seedlings or designated planting areas, was a testament to the growing environmental consciousness in Kenya.
Elizabeth Wathuti, a prominent environmental activist, expressed her sentiments to The Guardian: “It was incredible to see so many people asking where they could plant trees or get seedlings. It shows that more people are beginning to take the issues of conservation seriously, and having a national tree planting holiday shows political goodwill and intentionality.”
A conscious effort to preserve the environment
One of the critical challenges in tree-planting initiatives is ensuring their long-term success. To address this, the Kenyan government launched ‘JazaMiti,’ an app ingeniously designed to track and encourage ongoing tree-planting efforts. This digital platform serves as a comprehensive resource for citizens, offering real-time updates on nationwide tree planting, guidance on acquiring seedlings, and advice on choosing species suitable for different locales.
Moreover, JazaMiti incentivizes participation by recognizing and rewarding the most prolific tree planters, fostering a sense of community and competition in conservation efforts. However, as of now, the government has yet to release official statistics on the number of trees planted on November 13th and in the subsequent period. Yet, the optimism among Kenyans is palpable, with many hoping for the tree-planting exercise to become an annual tradition.
Planting the seeds of hope for future generations
As Kenya forges ahead with its ambitious environmental goals, the spirit of Wangari Maathai’s vision is ever-present. The National Tree Planting Holiday is more than a mere symbolic gesture; it’s a commitment to the future, a chance for every citizen to contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. It’s an opportunity for the nation to plant those “seeds of hope,” ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.
