ISIOLO, Kenya – Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, led a team of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, local government officials, and the host community in Isiolo County on April 30, 2025, to plant 5,000 trees along the Isiolo River.
The initiative, which took place in Burat Ward, Isiolo North Constituency, is part of the Environmental Soldier Program aimed at reversing the environmental damage caused by deforestation and land degradation in the region.
The area, once home to eight free-flowing springs along the Isiolo River, has seen drastic changes over the years, with only one spring remaining today due to the drying up of the others.
The tree-planting effort is part of a broader strategy to restore these vital water sources and prevent further ecological damage.
Tuya emphasized the importance of protecting Kenya’s natural resources and the role that such initiatives play in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
Tuya noted that the Ministry of Defence, through its partnership with the County Government, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), is committed to ensuring that the region’s ecosystems thrive once again.
The tree-planting event was also a call to action for local communities to actively participate in the protection of their environment.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, alongside MPs Mumina Bonaya and Joseph Samal, attended the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the government and the people to achieve sustainable environmental conservation.
Led Ministry of Defence, (MOD), the Kenya Defence Forces, (KDF), personnel and host community in Burat Ward, Isiolo North Constituency in planting 5,000 trees at Darajani Springs along Isiolo river in Isiolo County.Out of the once free flowing 8 springs along the river, only
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader national goals, including the ambitious tree planting campaign aimed at increasing the country’s tree cover to 30% by 2032.
The national tree planting initiative is a crucial part of the country’s efforts to mitigate deforestation, enhance water security, and contribute to global climate change goals.
The initiative encourages every Kenyan to plant at least 30 trees annually to help reach the target of 15 billion trees over the next decade.
As part of the government’s wider environmental goals, the tree planting efforts in Isiolo County are also linked to the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
The project is focused on improving local livelihoods, combating the effects of climate change, and supporting biodiversity conservation.
The trees planted today will contribute to these efforts, offering both ecological and social benefits for the region.
In Isiolo, where environmental degradation has compounded challenges such as water scarcity and loss of biodiversity, the tree-planting event signifies hope for the future.
