DR. DEBORAH M.BARASA PREPARES KENYA ON THE UPCOMING MAZINGIRA DAY 2025

CS for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, speaks during a media breakfast in Nairobi ahead of Mazingira Day 2025, which will focus on citizen-led tree planting and environmental clean-up activities under the theme “Turudi Primo, Tukadonate Fruit Trees na Tukaclean Environment.”

By: Gladys K

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has begun preparations for the first-ever Mazingira Day, which will be celebrated on October 10, 2025, under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”

This new national day was created after the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024 was signed into law. It replaces Utamaduni Day and will now be used to promote environmental conservation, tree planting, and citizen action across the country.

Speaking during a Media Breakfast at Sarova Stanley in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, said the day will bring Kenyans together to take responsibility for the environment.

“Mazingira Day is not just about trees  it’s about people, unity, and responsibility,” Dr. Barasa said. “We are asking every Kenyan to go back to their former primary school, plant fruit trees, clean the environment, and give back to their community.”

This year’s campaign slogan “Turudi Primo, Tukadonate Fruit Trees na Tukaclean Environment” encourages Kenyans to return to their old schools, plant fruit trees, and help clean the surroundings.

Across the country, President Dr. William Ruto, together with Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other government officials, will lead the celebrations in different counties. Each school is expected to plant at least 2,000 fruit trees, and learners will also receive seedlings to plant at home.

Dr. Barasa said the choice of fruit trees is deliberate, as they provide food, shade, and income, while also helping to restore the environment.

“Fruit trees feed, cool, and sustain life. They benefit children, schools, and the wider community,” she explained.

To make the exercise possible, the National Youth Service (NYS) will sell fruit tree seedlings at KSh 150 each across the country. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) will guide schools and communities on how to plant and care for the trees.

Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Mugambi Gitonga, said the Ministry is working to fast-track the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, launched in December 2022, which has already seen more than 1 billion trees planted.

“This is not just about growing trees; it’s also about creating jobs, improving food security, and empowering communities,” PS Gitonga said. “Fruit trees will now form at least 10% of the trees planted under this programme.”

The celebrations will also include clean-up activities in schools, markets, and rivers, as well as education on waste management and climate change.

Dr. Barasa thanked the media for helping raise awareness on environmental issues and asked for continued support in spreading the message of tree growing and environmental care.

“Your stories and coverage can turn this day into a nationwide movement,” she said.

She concluded by urging Kenyans to take part in the event with pride and purpose.

“Let’s go back to our roots, plant fruit trees, clean our schools, and help build a greener Kenya,” Dr. Barasa said.