Gov't Targets Schools to Achieve 15 Billion Trees Goal

This was revealed by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, when she led students, teachers, and residents in a tree-planting exercise at her former school, ACK Ciamanda Primary, in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County.

The exercise was part of activities marking this year’s Mazingira Day, where more than 2,000 fruit trees, including avocado, mangoes, oranges, and pawpaws, were planted within the school compound and neighboring institutions. The event brought together learners, parents, and community members in a show of collective responsibility towards environmental restoration.

Dr. Muoria emphasized that schools offer a ready platform to inculcate a tree-planting culture among the youth, ensuring the country achieves sustainable environmental stewardship. She noted that engaging children early in such activities not only contributes to the national goal but also nurtures future generations of environmentally conscious citizens.

"As government we want to leverage especially on schools because in school we have people. We have parents, teachers and it is easy in meeting oue target," she said.

The PS called on parents and teachers to encourage learners to plant and take care of trees both at home and in school. She stressed that tree planting should go beyond being a one-day event and instead become a continuous practice that supports Kenya’s broader climate action agenda.

Dr. Muoria further stated that the government is keen on achieving a balance between environmental conservation and food security. By promoting the planting of fruit trees, she said, learners and communities will benefit from nutrition and income-generating opportunities while still contributing to forest cover.

She commended the community around Ciamanda for turning up in large numbers to support the exercise and urged other regions to emulate the spirit of partnership between schools and local residents. According to her, such collaboration demonstrates the power of collective effort in addressing environmental challenges.

The PS  reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental restoration and called on Kenyans from all walks of life to actively participate in tree-planting drives. She noted that with sustained effort and unity of purpose, Kenya can successfully meet the 15-billion-tree target and secure a greener, more resilient future.