Dedan Kimathi Foundation Bolstering Environmental Resilience with KFS and Security Forces in Baringo County.

Baringo County, widely celebrated as the Land of Diversity in Kenya’s North Rift region, is renowned for its spectacular beauty, enriched by diverse cultures, the significant archeological findings of the Tugen Hills, and key tourism destinations like Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria.

On November 6, 2025, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s environment conservation team of 40, led by the CEO Ms. Evelyn Kimathi, embarked on a successful tree-growing caravan to contribute to this landscape. The team partnered with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) multi-agency ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ (OMU) for two crucial tree planting exercises.

The planting activities, conducted at the OMU Multi-Agency Command Centre in Chemolingot and the Chesitet FOB Camp, saw the team plant 1,000 assorted indigenous tree seedlings. These seedlings were generously donated by the KFS from the Marigat Forest Station. Species like Neem and Sienna siamea were selected for their high suitability and guaranteed high survival rates in the region’s harsh climate. Additionally, Mango and avocado seedlings were planted, to offer both economic benefits and dietary enrichment for the soldiers stationed there and the camp adjacent communities.

Tree growing in Baringo is an exceptionally challenging endeavor, marked by extremely high temperatures, scarce and unreliable rains, water shortages, saline water, and extensive livestock grazing. This environment requires profound commitment, where only the extremely strong-willed environmentalists see real change. The ongoing goal of lifting the county’s forest cover from the current 4.5% to 30% by the year 2032—in line with the presidential plan to grow 15 Billion trees—is a mission worth every sacrifice.
The environmental soldiers under OMU are proving to be true change-makers as trees planted in the previous exercises continue to thrive due to their strict discipline in watering, mulching, and protection against animal browsing.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Chemolingot, Major Kaikai, the acting Commanding Officer, assured the Foundation of the soldiers’ undivided attention to ensure the survival of every planted tree. He stressed the formation’s need to establish forests to counter the high rates of deforestation caused by community members relying heavily on charcoal burning for income. His commitment was lauded by Mr. Moses Wensaza, Marigat Forest Station Manager, who promised continued support for the partnership to amplify its impact.

In her address, Ms. Evelyn Kimathi praised the combined efforts of the soldiers and KFS for their work in transforming the vast lands. She highlighted the critical benefits of increasing forest spaces: enhancing rainfall formation, reducing soil erosion, boosting pasture growth, increasing food security, and promoting agriculture as a viable alternative to traditional grazing.
Ms. Kimathi emphasized the necessity of proper aftercare measures for the planted trees. Furthermore, she assured the OMU environmental soldiers of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting their environmental efforts not only in Baringo but across the five other North Rift counties where Operation Maliza Uhalifu is working to restore normalcy.

For the sustainability of these projects, she urged the soldiers to establish their own tree nurseries to maximize community impact promising to support in every possible way. She also called for more joint tree growing activities as a way to unite the warring communities for peaceful co-existence.