PS Omollo Rallies Chiefs to Lead Nationwide Tree Planting Initiative

Aoma Keziah

By Aoma Keziah,

In a major drive to combat climate change, the Kenyan government has launched an ambitious program to plant more than one million trees each month, mobilizing 3,950 chiefs across the country to spearhead the initiative at the grassroots level. This effort aligns with President William Ruto’s directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo inaugurated the initiative, dubbed “Chief’s Climate Action Day,” in Kikuyu Sub-County.In attendance at the event, were Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and other senior national and county officials.

In his address, PS Omollo highlighted the severe impact of climate change on Kenya, noting how prolonged droughts and frequent flooding threaten national security and disrupt peace efforts.

“Peace, security, and climate change are closely linked. Kenya faces numerous climate-related risks to peace and security.” Omollo stated.

He pointed to the conflicts emerging in arid regions such as the North Rift, North Eastern, and Upper Eastern areas, where communities are increasingly competing for limited resources like water and pasture.

“ This resource scarcity has fueled tensions, particularly as climate-induced migration stresses urban areas, like Nairobi, where recurrent flooding has displaced residents along the Nairobi River.” He added.

The chiefs-led initiative is part of the government’s strategy to develop tailored early warning systems and address climate-security challenges unique to Kenya. Under the new program, each chief will mobilize their community to plant at least 250 trees on the first Friday of each month, with support from the Interior Ministry. Chiefs will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the trees’ progress, utilizing standardized tools to ensure they are well-maintained.

Recognizing the pivotal role of chiefs, he noted that they are uniquely positioned to lead localized actions that make a tangible impact, as they have close ties with the communities they serve.

“This initiative activates the invaluable leadership of our chiefs across the nation, who will mobilize and coordinate at the grassroots level to ensure the success of climate Interventions within their communities.” Omollo remarked.

The program also reflects a broader shift in the government’s approach, as it engages chiefs more directly in national initiatives, emphasizing results-oriented, community-driven solutions. The internal security PS explained that the chiefs’ involvement aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes community-level interventions as a foundation for broader national development.

He encouraged Kenyans to support the initiative and work alongside the chiefs to reach the nation’s tree-growing targets.