PS Belio Kipsang Urges Kenyans to Embrace Tree Planting to Combat Climate Change
“As we are all aware, this day was proclaimed to be a day that we shall be taking care of our future“
The Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Belio Kipsang, has urged Kenyans to take personal responsibility in conserving the environment by actively participating in tree planting within their communities.
Speaking during a tree planting exercise at Kapseret Forest and St. George’s Girls High School in Uasin Gishu County to mark Mazingira Day 2025, Dr. Kipsang emphasized the importance of the ongoing National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign, which seeks to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of the government’s efforts to combat climate change and boost forest cover.
“As we are all aware, this day was proclaimed to be a day that we shall be taking care of our future. Because when we take care of our environment, then we are taking care of our future. So we were all told that, and we all agreed, that we go back to our primary schools,” he said.
The event, held under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship,” saw over 5,000 tree seedlings — including both indigenous and fruit trees — planted in schools and surrounding areas. According to Dr. Kipsang, the initiative also supports food and nutrition security for school children.
Dr. Kipsang highlighted the role of learners in achieving Kenya’s ambitious target, noting that the country’s 15 million basic education students represent a vital force in the campaign.
“If we leverage on those numbers, then it will make it possible for us to achieve our 15 billion target within the next seven years,” he stated.
He revealed that Kenya is already making progress, with nearly one billion trees planted so far, and more than 71 million trees being planted nationwide on Mazingira Day.
The PS also expressed concern over the growing effects of climate change, pointing to increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns that have disrupted traditional planting and harvesting seasons.
“Even where we are today, the patterns of our rains are no longer what we knew 10, 15, 20 years ago. We could predict with precision when to plant and when to harvest — but this year, October began with rains when we should be harvesting,” he explained.
Dr. Kipsang reiterated the need for sustained afforestation efforts to help Kenya achieve and surpass the minimum 10 percent forest cover, ensuring environmental safety and resilience.
He further commended the Kapseret community for turning out in large numbers to participate in the exercise and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with local leaders, including Kapseret MP, to adopt and rehabilitate the forest.
“We have agreed with local leadership to bring on board partners and friends to help in reafforestation and ensure the forest is protected for future generations,” he concluded.
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