By Collins Wanzalah
The Vice Chief of the Defense Forces, Lt. General John Omenda, led a tree-planting exercise in Vihiga County to mark Mazingira Day in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS). Lt. General Omenda and other service members planted trees at the Maragoli Hills as part of a national restoration and reforestation initiative.
“This effort aims to plant 12,000 trees in line with President William Ruto’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2030, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to global climate action and environmental sustainability,” Omenda said during the event.
Representing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Administrative Secretary Juliana Yiapan emphasized Mudavadi’s strong advocacy for climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly through tree planting and forest conservation across the country.
Also in attendance were Vihiga County Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, Acting Vihiga County Commissioner Florence Sitawa, and County Forest Officer Fred Otsieno. Local community leaders, schools, NEMA officers, and other partners highlighted the collective effort needed to build a greener Kenya.
A similar tree-planting activity was carried out by officers from the Administration Police, Kenya Police, and Kenya Prisons at Siaya Main Prison, marking the day, which was previously known as Moi Day.
