Dedan Kimathi Foundation Deepens Kenya's Green Legacy Through Nationwide Tree Growing Initiative

The Dedan Kimathi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience by intensifying its nationwide tree-growing campaign in support of the Government's ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Evelyn Kimathi, the Foundation continues to champion community-led environmental restoration through the production and distribution of quality tree seedlings while encouraging Kenyans to actively participate in protecting the country's natural ecosystems.

The Foundation has called upon all Kenyans to embrace tree growing as a shared national responsibility, noting that the success of the government's climate action agenda depends on collective participation by individuals, communities, institutions, schools, businesses and development partners.

The national tree-growing programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, seeks to increase Kenya's national tree cover to at least 30 per cent by 2032 as part of broader efforts to combat climate change, restore degraded landscapes, protect water catchment areas and strengthen biodiversity.

According to Evelyn Kimathi, planting trees is only the first step. Equal importance must be placed on nurturing and protecting every seedling to ensure its survival and long-term environmental impact.

"Our tree nurseries must remain active throughout the year, continuously producing quality seedlings to meet the growing demand for restoration and afforestation. At the same time, every beneficiary who receives tree seedlings has a responsibility to nurture them until they mature," she said.

Through its #DKFGreenLegacy initiative, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation has positioned itself as a strategic partner in Kenya's climate action movement by ensuring that communities have access to a diverse range of tree species suited to different environmental and economic needs.

The Foundation supplies exotic tree species that support commercial forestry, timber production and income generation, helping farmers diversify their livelihoods while contributing to sustainable wood production. It also promotes indigenous tree species that play a critical role in restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, conserving water catchment areas and enhancing ecological balance.

Recognising the close relationship between environmental conservation and household livelihoods, the Foundation has equally prioritised the distribution of fruit tree seedlings. These not only improve food and nutritional security but also create additional sources of income for families through the sale of fruits and value-added agricultural products.

Under Evelyn Kimathi's stewardship, the Foundation has embraced a holistic approach to environmental conservation that integrates climate action with economic empowerment, recognising that sustainable conservation must also improve people's livelihoods.

The Foundation's growing network of tree nurseries continues to serve as centres for environmental education and community mobilisation, encouraging citizens to become active custodians of Kenya's natural heritage.

Beyond seedling distribution, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation continues to raise awareness on the importance of restoring degraded landscapes, mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable natural resource management. The organisation has consistently encouraged schools, youth groups, women-led organisations and local communities to participate in tree-growing initiatives as part of a national movement towards environmental stewardship.

The Foundation's work aligns closely with Kenya's commitments under international climate agreements and the country's long-term sustainable development agenda. Increasing forest cover contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, improves soil fertility, reduces erosion, protects river catchments and enhances resilience against the growing impacts of climate change, including prolonged droughts and unpredictable weather patterns.

Evelyn Kimathi has emphasised that achieving the national target of 30 per cent tree cover by 2032 requires sustained commitment beyond ceremonial tree-planting events. She has called for continuous investment in tree nurseries, community awareness, monitoring of planted seedlings and partnerships that ensure long-term survival of trees.

"The responsibility of restoring Kenya's environment belongs to every citizen. Every seedling planted and nurtured brings us one step closer to a greener, healthier and more prosperous nation. Climate action is no longer a choice—it is an urgent national duty," she noted.

As the government accelerates implementation of the 15-billion-tree campaign, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation continues to demonstrate how strategic partnerships between public institutions, communities and the private sector can drive meaningful environmental transformation.

Through the visionary leadership of CEO Evelyn Kimathi, the Foundation is not merely planting trees—it is cultivating a legacy of environmental responsibility, economic empowerment and climate resilience that will benefit both present and future generations of Kenyans.

With every nursery established, every seedling distributed and every tree nurtured to maturity, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation is helping turn Kenya's green vision into reality, proving that collective action remains the strongest pathway towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future.