Defence CS Tuya Highlights Urgent Climate Change Threats to Kenya’s National Security

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has flagged climate change as a serious threat to Kenya’s environment and security.

She emphasized the need for united efforts in combating this issue, particularly through tree planting.

“It’s a privilege to be here today as we join forces against climate change – a silent enemy that jeopardizes our environment, economy, and safety,” she said.

During an event in Machakos, she and her team planted 15,000 trees at a site designated for the Kenya Air Force within the Konza Technopolis. So far, a total of 35,000 trees have been planted on this 17-acre land.

Together with her Ministry, Tuya has a goal of producing 800 million tree seedlings and growing 500 million trees as their part of a national initiative aimed at planting 15 billion trees over the next decade.

“Through the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Campaign, we aim to produce 800 million seedlings in ten years. Our specific duty is to grow 500 million trees, making up around 3% of the national target,” she explained.

Since this tree planting initiative began, the Ministry has successfully planted over 60 million trees—this is part of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration’s flagship climate action and livelihood project.

“Thanks to the Environmental Soldier Programme, we’ve made great strides by planting over 60 million trees,” Tuya noted, adding that success requires a combined effort from the government and the community.

She acknowledged essential partnerships, including support from the Kenya Forest Service and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, which help accelerate tree growing efforts nationally.

“We extend deep gratitude to our corporate partners and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry for their valuable assistance,” she added.

In her closing remarks, Tuya encouraged all Kenyans to use the current rainy season to enhance tree planting throughout the country.

Experts agree that tree planting can significantly mitigate climate change effects. The World Economic Forum reports that planting 1 trillion trees globally could absorb up to 205 gigatons of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate stability. This aligns with Kenya’s initiative and showcases how local efforts connect with global environmental goals.

Overall, Tuya’s leadership in this project reflects a growing recognition across the globe that grassroots movements can lead to substantial environmental change.

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