In a spirited campaign to promote environmental conservation and combat climate change, Westlands Member of Parliament Hon. Tim Wanyonyi today spearheaded a tree planting exercise at Nairobi School and Hospital Hill High School.
The initiative, supported by the Westlands NG-CDF, forms part of the government’s broader plan to plant 15 billion trees in Kenya over the next decade.
Addressing students, teachers, and community leaders during the exercise, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi emphasized the importance of safeguarding the environment for future generations.
He revealed that the choice of the two schools was strategic, given their willingness to provide space for tree planting and their proximity to key green areas like Karura Forest.
“Kenya is hosting UNEP and we must lead by example to show we are doing something towards environmental conservation,” Hon. Wanyonyi said.
“We want to increase forest cover, and as President Moi said before, for every tree cut, we should plant two. I encourage all Kenyans, especially the youth, to take up this responsibility.”
The MP lamented the rapid urban expansion in Nairobi, noting that unchecked construction was threatening the city’s green spaces.
“Many cities I’ve visited like London have maintained good tree cover. In Nairobi, however, buildings are springing up everywhere, even in spaces meant for public parks. It’s time we reclaim our environment,” he added.
Nairobi School, where Hon. Wanyonyi is an alumnus, welcomed the initiative. Principal Sir Casper Maina lauded the MP’s consistent support and stressed the importance of involving young people in environmental conservation.
“These students are not too young to be sensitized about saving our planet. The younger they are, the better. Our Wildlife and Environmental Club members will nurture these trees to maturity, ensuring the survival of this exercise,” said Sir Maina.
Cheti Vincent, chairperson of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya at Nairobi School, expressed gratitude for the MP’s visit.
“It’s not every day leaders motivate young people to conserve the environment. Our principal always reminds us to care for the trees we plant, and we promise to keep this spirit alive,” he said.
At Hospital Hill High School, Principal Ken Bunyasi also expressed appreciation to the NG-CDF and Hon. Wanyonyi for providing 500 seedlings for the school.
“This initiative ensures our environment remains green in line with our location in Nyari, next to Karura Forest. Our Amani Club, with over 50 active students, will continue planting and nurturing trees every rainy season,” he said.
Ivy Chege, a teacher and patron of the Amani Club, termed the day significant, noting that the activity aligned with the presidential directive on tree planting.
“Every term, we plant trees and assign students to take care of them. Our principal awards students who take good care of their trees. This not only conserves the environment but also instills discipline and responsibility,” she said.
Joshua Baraka, the chairperson of Amani Club, echoed the importance of the exercise.
“We benefit from cool weather and a cleaner environment. As a club, we’ll do everything possible to nurture these trees and continue planting more,” he said.
Laboso Chepngeno, Fund Account Manager at NG-CDF Westlands, detailed the broader vision of the program.
“Our target is to plant at least 1,000 trees today — 500 in each school. By the end of this parliamentary term, we hope to have planted at least 5,000 trees in these two schools alone. Other institutions will receive between 500 and 1,000 seedlings based on available space,” she said.
Chepngeno acknowledged challenges in nurturing trees due to unpredictable weather patterns and limited space in urban schools but noted that active student clubs and dedicated administrators were key to success.
“We’re also promoting renewable energy initiatives like energy-saving jikos and water harvesting systems in schools as part of our climate change mitigation strategy,” she added.
NG-CDF Chairlady Frida Lenayasa emphasized the importance of community participation in the greening initiative.
“We are here to offer moral support and join hands with institutions working to protect the environment. It’s not just about planting trees, but nurturing them to maturity,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Wanyonyi urged Westlands residents to take up tree planting wherever possible.
“The DCC’s office has seedlings available. I encourage you to plant a tree in every available space. Planting a tree is planting a new life,” he said.
The NG-CDF Westlands team pledged to return for follow-up visits and monitor the progress of the planted trees while planning for more tree planting exercises in the upcoming rainy seasons.
