Nairobi: Leaders in Kenya’s cooperative movement have renewed their commitment to environmental conservation, pledging to intensify tree planting efforts in support of the government’s ambitious 15 billion trees initiative aimed at increasing forest cover, mitigating climate change, and protecting the country’s natural resources.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during the Cooperatives Environment Day held at the Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) and Vice-Chairman of the Ushirika Day Celebrations Council, Daniel Marube, said environmental conservation was critical to safeguarding the country’s future food and water security. Marube warned that continued environmental degradation could expose the country to serious challenges, including declining rainfall, food shortages, water scarcity, and rising energy costs. He noted that climate change was already affecting livelihoods, particularly in agricultural areas that depend heavily on reliable weather patterns.
Marube emphasized that tree planting remains one of the most effective ways of restoring ecosystems, improving soil fertility, and sustaining rainfall patterns. He urged cooperative farmers and members across the country to make tree planting a routine activity rather than an occasional exercise. According to him, every farmer should aim to plant and nurture at least three trees annually as a contribution toward environmental conservation and climate resilience.
The cooperative movement, as highlighted by Marube, does not view tree planting as a mere symbolic event but as a continuous responsibility that requires long-term commitment and proper maintenance. ‘We have not come here to plant trees and forget about them. This is a day to remind us that continuously we need to grow, plant, take care of, and nurture trees,’ he said.
Vincent Marangu, Co-operative Bank Co-operatives Banking Division Director, shared insights into the cooperative movement’s progress over the past decade. He revealed that cooperatives have planted more than 30,000 trees countrywide, attributing the high survival rate to community involvement in maintaining the trees. Marangu noted that several areas where cooperatives planted trees have transformed into forested regions.
To further expand the initiative, the cooperative movement seeks additional land from the government, including areas around Ngong Hills, aiming to establish a larger tree planting site. Marangu mentioned a target of planting at least 20,000 trees during the Ushirika Day celebrations, involving cooperative members, youth groups, students from the Co-operative University of Kenya, and local community organizations.
The cooperative leaders also urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices by planting suitable tree species and integrating commercial fruit trees into farming systems. Changing weather patterns necessitate sustainable practices to protect ecosystems while enhancing agricultural productivity and food security. Marangu emphasized, ‘If each member can grow 10 to 15 trees every year, including fruit trees, we will be able to achieve the environmental cover we need, get sufficient rainfall, and create a healthier environment.’
The cooperative movement reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation as part of its broader mission of promoting national unity, economic empowerment, and community resilience. This aligns with the theme of this year’s International Cooperative Day, focusing on building bridges and demonstrating cooperative resilience in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Tree planting activities will extend beyond the Ushirika Day celebrations, with additional campaigns during future rainy seasons to support Kenya’s long-term environmental goals and contribute to the success of the government’s 15 billion trees agenda.
