Raymond Ochieng,Secretary of Youth Development State Department for Youth Affairs and creative economy led Wazalendo Movement and City Council of Nairobi on trees planting during Mazingira Day
On Mazingira Day, the Wazalendo Movement Africa, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports and county government of Nairobi organized a significant green walk and tree planting initiative in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The event, which drew hundreds of enthusiastic youth, emphasized the importance of environmental conservation through hands-on community involvement.
The day’s activities began with a cleanup campaign aimed at revitalizing the city streets, showcasing the commitment of young people to their environment. Participants then moved to the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo campus, where they engaged in smart agriculture demonstrations and finalized the tree planting efforts.
Raymond Ochieng Ouma, Secretary of Youth Development State Department for Youth Affairs and creative economy addressed attendees, highlighting the day’s significance. “Today is a special assignment on Mazingira Day, where we gather under the auspices of Wazalendo, a movement uniting various organizations focused on climate action,” he stated. He expressed the importance of young people in leading environmental initiatives, noting their role as the future stewards of the nation.
Ochieng emphasized that the actions taken today serve as a powerful example of youth leadership in environmental conservation. “Our environment is our future,” he declared, encouraging the youth to take further action beyond this event. He reminded them that the government aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, underscoring that young people must play a central role in this ambitious goal.
Raymond Ouma Ochieng, Secretary of Youth Development State Department for Youth Affairs and creative economy
“We’ve barely scratched the surface today,” he said, acknowledging the vast undertaking ahead. He urged participants to utilize digital platforms to promote tree planting initiatives and share their efforts, fostering a greater awareness of the need for environmental action. “Young people can organize themselves and make impactful changes, and today’s activities reflect just that,” he added.
With 75 percent of Kenya’s population under the age of 35, O’Ching noted that achieving the government’s tree planting goal is impossible without the active participation of the youth. The event was not just a one-time initiative but a call to action for ongoing engagement in environmental stewardship.
As participants left the campus, they carried with them a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. The Wazalendo Movement, alongside the Ministry of Youth Affairs and city County has set a strong precedent for youth involvement in environmental issues, fostering hope for a greener future in Kenya.