Roads Sector Rallies behind 15 billion Trees Target on Mazingira Day
Principal Secretary, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, joined the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, Government institutions and local communities in a tree-planting exercise at Block 9, Aberdare Forest, Nyandarua County, to mark Mazingira Day.
Speaking during the event, PS Mbugua underscored the critical role of the Roads Sector in advancing the national tree-growing agenda through highway greening, promoting tree growing along road corridors where appropriate, and protecting road reserves from encroachment.
He called on stakeholders, communities and development partners to embrace tree growing along road reserves where suitable, noting that the initiative would enhance the beauty of road corridors while contributing to environmental conservation and the national tree-cover target.
The Principal Secretary further urged Kenyans to take an active role in planting and nurturing trees, emphasising that collective responsibility is essential to ensuring that newly planted seedlings survive to maturity and deliver lasting environmental benefits.
PS Mbugua reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to complete the Njabini–Gatura Road, which is expected to improve transport and mobility for residents and other road users in the area.
The exercise highlighted the interconnectedness of sustainable road infrastructure, environmental protection and community development. Through highway greening and the responsible management of road reserves, the Roads Sector continues to support ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The two leaders also distributed fruit tree seedlings to local residents, promoting community participation in environmental conservation while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through fruit growing.
Participants pledged to work together to nurture the planted seedlings and strengthen conservation efforts, reinforcing the shared responsibility of Government institutions, communities and other stakeholders in building a greener and more sustainable Kenya.
As the country pursues the Government’s 15 Billion Trees Programme, the Roads Sector remains a key partner in integrating environmental sustainability into road infrastructure development.
#MazingiraDay | #JazaMiti | #15BillionTreesBy2032 | #BeyondTheHighway