DKF Calls Upon Kenyans to Honor Dedan Kimathi’s Legacy by Planting Trees

Green October: Honoring a Hero through Action

This October, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation (DKF) has launched its Green October initiative, dedicating the entire month—marking the birth of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi—to humanitarian and environmental stewardship. The campaign embodies Kimathi’s enduring legacy of selflessness, bravery, and unmatched patriotism, turning his memory into meaningful, future-focused action.

105th Birthday Tribute: Trees as Symbols of Unity

In celebration of the revered hero’s 105th birthday, the Foundation has organized back-to-back tree growing activities across schools and public spaces. Each participating institution commits to nurturing the planted trees, ensuring proper aftercare and adoption.

Every seedling planted is more than just a tree—it is a living tribute to Dedan Kimathi and all the freedom fighters who courageously resisted colonial rule. The trees symbolize hope, resilience, and unity, reminding Kenyans that just as unity secured independence, it can also overcome today’s challenges, including climate change.

Tree Planting at Githabai Comprehensive School

On Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Foundation’s environmental conservation team from the Nyandarua tree nursery led a 500-cypress tree planting exercise at Githabai Comprehensive School in South Kinangop.

After a session on sustainable tree growing and high survival practices, each pupil was encouraged to name and adopt a tree, creating a personal bond with nature. This hands-on approach ensures the children not only plant but also grow the trees, strengthening their role as custodians of the environment.

National Launch in Samburu County

The Green October series was officially launched a day earlier, on October 1, 2025, in Samburu West, Samburu County, by DKF’s Field Director, Ms. Elsey Githinji. Working alongside the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the team conducted environmental education, climate change sensitization, and tree planting across six schools.

The schools included Loosuk, Siambu, Lesidai, Lolkunono, Pura Comprehensive Schools, and Lesidai Secondary, with each site receiving 200 seedlings for new woodlots. The selection prioritized schools with reliable water supply to ensure sustainability.

At one school, the KDF formation commander emphasized the life-saving role of trees in improving drylands, while Samburu West Forester Biwott appealed to school leaders to safeguard the trees. He also promised additional seedlings if a follow-up survey in six months showed a 95% survival rate.

Gratitude and a Call to Action

Speaking during the events, the Foundation’s leadership expressed profound gratitude to all partners and participants for their commitment, noting that such collaborations are powerful weapons in the fight against climate change.

As DKF advances climate action through tree growing, the Foundation calls on all Kenyans to join in planting trees this October. Planting a tree is not just an environmental act—it is a living legacy, a way to safeguard our present and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

🌳 Will You Join Us?

The Dedan Kimathi Foundation invites every Kenyan patriot to plant a tree this October in honor of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi. Together, let’s make Green October a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope for our beloved country.