Mazingira Day 2025: Planting 20,000 Trees to Restore the Sasumua Dam Riparian

A Nation United for the Planet

Mazingira Day 2025, celebrated under the powerful theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship,” brought together Kenyans from all 47 counties in a collective show of environmental responsibility.
This year’s national celebration, led by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, took place at Kabuyefwe Comprehensive School in Trans-Nzoia County.

The event emphasized the importance of integrating fruit tree growing in schools — connecting environmental education with the critical issue of food security. Across the nation, communities, schools, and institutions joined hands to plant trees that will nurture both nature and generations to come.

Dedan Kimathi Foundation at the Heart of Action

In true spirit of environmental stewardship, Dedan Kimathi Foundation (DKF) spearheaded Mazingira Day activities in Nyandarua, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties, mobilizing communities, partners, and institutions for impactful action.

In Nyandarua County, DKF led a massive effort that saw the planting of 20,000 trees along the Sasumua Dam riparian in the Churiri area — a vital water catchment zone serving millions of Kenyans.

A Powerful Partnership for the Planet

The tree planting exercise brought together a powerful alliance of environmental champions: Kenya Army Corps of Transport (Kahawa Barracks), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Seedballs Kenya, Njabini Police Station Officers, Kinangop Technical and Vocational College (KTVC), Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) Sasumua Dam fraternity and the local Churiri community

These partnerships showcased the power of collaboration in achieving Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Presidential Initiative.

Soldiers of the Environment: KDF Leads by Example

Before planting began, over 230 soldiers from the Kenya Army Corps of Transport participated in a voluntary weeding exercise at the Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s mega tree nursery near the Sasumua Dam.

Their discipline and efficiency resulted in tremendous progress within a short time, reflecting the Kenya Defence Forces’ growing role as true “environmental soldiers.”

Empowering Communities through Knowledge

At the planting site, Dr. Muchai, the Sasumua Dam Coordinator, commended DKF and its partners — particularly KDF and KFS — for their continued commitment to protecting the dam’s riparian ecosystem.
He reaffirmed NCWSC’s dedication to safeguarding the catchment area, noting that such collaborations are key to ensuring clean and sustainable water supply for Nairobi and beyond.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fredrick, the South Kinangop Forest Station Manager, gave a practical demonstration on proper tree planting techniques, explaining how small mistakes — like failing to remove polythene sleeves or planting with air pockets — often reduce survival rates.

Commitment to Long-Term Stewardship

Major Kiome, leading the Kenya Army Corps of Transport, assured DKF of the formation’s continued collaboration in future conservation programs.
The Foundation’s Field Director praised this commitment, emphasizing that “partnerships are the powerhouse behind the realization of Kenya’s 15 billion tree growing agenda.”
She also called on community members to take responsibility for nurturing and protecting the young trees from grazing livestock.

Seedballs Broadcasting: A Modern Twist to Tree Growing

The event concluded with a symbolic and innovative act seedballs broadcasting.
Three indigenous species Podocarpus falcatus (Abyssinica), Olea africana (African Olive), and Sesbania sesban — donated by Seedballs Kenya, were scattered across the riparian landscape, breathing new life into degraded sections of the dam’s ecosystem.

Honoring Heroes Through Environmental Conservation

For the Dedan Kimathi Foundation, tree growing is more than an environmental act, it is a tribute to Kenya’s freedom fighters who once found refuge in forests as they struggled for independence.
Through conservation, DKF continues to connect history with sustainability, ensuring that Kenya’s natural heritage remains alive for generations.

Trees are indeed the most faithful guardians against the effects of climate change — and through initiatives like Mazingira Day, Kenya continues to lead the way toward a greener, cleaner, and freer future.