The Kenya National Highways Authority has spearheaded a major multi-agency tree planting exercise in Garissa County as part of activities to mark the International Day of Forests, reinforcing national efforts to enhance environmental conservation and climate resilience.
The initiative, led by KeNHA’s North Eastern Region office, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the National Police Service, Kenya Forest Service, National Environment Management Authority, Water Resources Authority, and the Kenya Forest Research Institute, alongside local government representatives and community groups.
Held at NEP Girls High School, the event saw the donation and planting of fruit and indigenous tree seedlings, aligning with the Government’s ambitious target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
The exercise also reflected this year’s theme, “Forests and Economies,” highlighting the critical role forests play in supporting livelihoods, biodiversity, and sustainable economic development.
Participants emphasised that tree planting is not only a climate action measure but also a pathway to strengthening local economies through agroforestry, improved soil health, and sustainable land use practices.
The involvement of educational institutions and youth groups was also noted as key to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among future generations.
Officials underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving large-scale environmental goals, noting that collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and local communities is essential for the success of afforestation efforts, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Garissa.
The event forms part of a broader national campaign to restore degraded landscapes, enhance forest cover, and build resilience against the impacts of climate change, while creating economic opportunities linked to forestry and conservation.