- Principal Secretary Juliana Yiapan urged Kenyans to plant trees in their former schools to boost forest cover.
- She emphasised trees’ role in fighting climate change, conserving biodiversity, and protecting water sources.
- The initiative forms part of Kenya’s plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to restore degraded landscapes.
Principal Secretary in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Juliana Yiapan has called on Kenyans to support tree‑planting initiatives in the schools they once attended, saying the effort is vital to increasing forest cover and combating climate change.
Yiapan appealed while leading a tree‑planting exercise at Ole Sankale School in Narok Central, where she is an alumna. She stressed that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that cannot be left to government alone. “Protecting our environment is a collective responsibility. Every tree we plant today is an investment in the future of our country,” she said.
The PS highlighted the importance of forests in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and safeguarding water catchment areas. She noted that increasing tree cover is critical to protecting livelihoods and building resilience against environmental challenges. “Trees are essential in fighting climate change, preserving biodiversity and protecting our water sources. By planting and nurturing trees, we are securing a healthier environment for future generations,” Yiapan added.
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She encouraged Kenyans to actively participate in tree‑planting campaigns, describing them as one of the most practical ways to address environmental degradation. Yiapan also challenged school administrations to ensure seedlings are properly cared for after planting, warning that many institutions fail to monitor trees until maturity. “Planting a seedling is only the beginning. Schools must nurture and monitor the trees until they mature. Without proper care, our efforts will not achieve the intended results,” she observed.
During the exercise, more than 1,000 seedlings were planted at Ole Sankale School, bringing together government officials, teachers, students, and members of the local community.
The campaign is part of the government’s ambitious programme to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, increasing forest cover, and strengthening Kenya’s response to climate change.
By Kimutai Langat
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