Environmental conservation is being presented as an economic and social priority as Kenya marks Mazingira Week 2026, with the Government linking healthy ecosystems to water, food, livelihoods, jobs and national development.
Mazingira Week runs from October 5 to October 10, culminating in National Mazingira Day on Saturday. This year’s theme is “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said environmental conservation should not be treated simply as a government policy matter.
He said it is “practical and personal” because environmental protection directly affects the availability of clean water, good health, food, livelihoods, jobs, economic opportunities and national development.
Mazingira Week 2026: Kenya Targets 17.24 Million Trees in 6-Day Campaign
The message comes as the Government mobilises citizens and institutions to plant 17.24 million trees during Mazingira Week.
The target forms part of Kenya’s wider goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
The campaign brings together national Government agencies, county governments, communities, educational institutions, the private sector, civil society and development partners.
More than 51,000 community planters will participate at 79 sites in 31 counties. Village elders will also plant trees in 77,252 villages, while the Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service will undertake separate planting programmes.
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Educational institutions are expected to contribute through their own tree-growing activities.
The Government is also emphasising the protection of natural resources beyond tree planting.
Citizens have been encouraged to protect existing trees and forests, restore degraded areas, protect rivers, wetlands and water resources, clean neighbourhoods and public spaces, dispose of waste responsibly and reduce unnecessary pollution.
Owino challenged Kenyans to translate environmental concern into action. “Kenyans, don’t just talk about the environment: do something for it!” he said.
The Government says environmental restoration is also a long-term investment.
Environment Ministry plans to conduct 90-day survival checks, track pledges quarterly and provide long-term support to Community Forest Associations and farmer groups.
The campaign is also using digital tools to improve accountability. Every tree will be counted, geo-tagged and certified, while the JazaMiti platform will facilitate geo-tagging and real-time counting.
Also Read: Nairobi Launches Citywide Clean-Up as Sakaja Mobilizes 4,500 Green Army Ahead of Heavy Rains
5.1 Million Trees Targeted as Trans Nzoia Hosts Mazingira Day Celebrations
The national celebrations will be held in Trans Nzoia County, which the Environment Ministry says has demonstrated consistent leadership in environmental stewardship.
The Presidential Green Challenge will target 5.1 million trees at 79 sites in 31 counties, with more than 51,000 community members expected to participate.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah M. Barasa said Government action alone cannot secure the environment.
“The environment is a shared inheritance and a shared responsibility,” she said, urging Kenyans to volunteer their time, energy and resources towards environmental protection.
As Mazingira Week unfolds, the Government’s message is that environmental stewardship is inseparable from the country’s prosperity.
The campaign therefore seeks not only to increase tree cover but also to build a culture of responsibility around the natural resources that sustain communities and the wider economy.
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