In an exhilarating symbolic race against time to highlight the urgency of climate action, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto – President, Republic of Kenya, joined legendary Olympic and marathon champions Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot, along with Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and County leadership, in a thrilling 1 minute :59 seconds tree planting challenge in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The charged sub-two-minute challenge, inspired by Kipchoge’s legendary 1:59 marathon achievement, embodies the urgency of combating climate change through the ambitious goal of planting and growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
President Ruto, who was the Chief Guest in the restoration of 400 hectares of the degraded Kaptagat Forest to mark the 7th Edition of the Annual Tree Planting event in Elgeyo Marakwet County., joined forces with community members, celebrated athletes, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, County leadership, business leaders, and NGOs. Kipchoge, the legendary marathon runner, expressed his delight that 1:59 has inspired forest conservation. The community-led annual tree planting event is the brainchild of Dr. Chris Kiptoo – PS, The National Treasury & Patron, Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme.
A Visionary Plan for a Greener Kenya
Speaking during the thanksgiving ceremony of PS Kiptoo at St. Alphonsus Mutei Girls, President Ruto said the Government will establish 18 tree seedling plantations through the Kenya Forestry Research Institute to help the country grow 15 Billion Trees by 2032. He notes that the Government will work closely with the private sector and non-governmental organizations to ensure the availability of tree seedlings across the country. Mohamed Awer – the CEO WWF-Kenya, assured President Ruto that conservation partners will commit to delivering his directive to increase the country’s tree cover to 30% by 2032.
Keep Kenya Breathing
Increasing the country’s tree cover will have several benefits, including mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and creating income opportunities from sustainable forestry. Did you know that effectively managing our forest resources can lead to untapped income opportunities? Sweden and Finland already generate around 60% of their GDP from forestry. It is crucial for the government, private sector, and civil society to work together to achieve this ambitious goal.
Mohamed Awer – our CEO at WWF-Kenya
#Kaptagat #JazaMiti #KeepKaptagatBreathing #KeepKenyaBreathing
