Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya today, December 13, 2024, spearheaded a significant environmental initiative by leading a team of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel from Mariakani Garrison in planting mangrove seedlings at the Dongo Kundu zone in Kwale County. This initiative, which took place off Mteza Bridge, saw the planting of 60,000 mangrove seedlings. The exercise was part of a broader government program aimed at planting 15 billion trees by 2032, and it also contributed to the KDF's environmental soldier programme.
The tree-planting exercise was a collaborative effort, with commandant Brigadier Douglas Mokwena and Ministry of Defence civilians playing key roles. Local leaders, including Kinango MP Gonzi Rai and Deputy County Commissioner Lucy Ndemo, also participated, leading the local community and security team respectively. Other partners involved in the initiative included the Kenya Forest Services, ABSA Bank, and the Greens of Africa Foundation, all of whom contributed to the success of the event.
During the event, CS Tuya emphasized the critical ecological role played by mangrove trees, highlighting their importance as breeding grounds for fish and their contribution to the overall health of marine ecosystems. However, she expressed concern over the threats faced by mangrove swamps, noting that they are endangered due to over-harvesting by local communities, which has led to significant deforestation. She urged the community to refrain from cutting down these trees for charcoal or other purposes, as such activities undermine environmental conservation efforts.
CS Tuya also stressed the importance of nurturing the planted seedlings to maturity, urging the community to take responsibility for their care. She pledged her support for the community's tree planting and growing initiatives and called on other partners to assist by purchasing tree seedlings from local growers. This, she noted, would not only support environmental conservation but also provide economic benefits to the community.
The planting of 60,000 seedlings was also a tribute to the Kenya Navy, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary tomorrow, December 14, 2024. This milestone underscores the Navy's long-standing commitment to national service and environmental stewardship. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in promoting environmental sustainability and the government's dedication to combating climate change through reforestation initiatives.
