Nairobi: The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has so far planted over 15 million trees in support of the government’s Tree Growing Programme. The Church has dedicated an additional 10 acres of land in Kwale County for Christians to plant more trees on October 10.
According to Kenya News Agency, ACK has designated October 10 each year as a special day to pray for and celebrate nature. On this day, Christians join community members in tree planting and clean-ups to help conserve the environment. The government launched the 15 billion Tree Growing initiative in December 2022 under the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme (2023-2032) with a target to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, aiming to restore degraded landscapes and increase the country’s tree cover to 30 percent.
ACK Church Archbishop, Jackson Ole Sapit, highlighted that the tree-growing initiative, implemented through the Green Anglican Movement (GAM), is among the programs the church is undertaking to complement government efforts in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Archbishop Ole Sapit made these remarks during the consecration and enthronement of the fourth Bishop of ACK Katakwa Diocese, Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru, at Amagoro Comprehensive School in Teso North Sub-County on Sunday.
During the event, Archbishop Ole Sapit also urged political leaders to uphold peace, unity, and responsible leadership, encouraging them to embrace one another and exercise restraint in their utterances as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
In his speech, the newly enthroned Bishop Ekuru pledged to build a sustainable diocese that addresses both the present and future needs of the people while strengthening collaboration with the Government. He emphasized that the Diocese of Katakwa would enhance programs in entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare, education, and environmental conservation, including tree-growing initiatives under the Green Anglican Movement.
Bishop Ekuru further expressed the Diocese’s commitment to partnering with Government agencies and other like-minded organizations to deliver programs that improve the livelihoods of communities. He added that the diocese would remain at the forefront of promoting peace, unity, and social justice by advocating for the vulnerable and fostering harmonious coexistence.
