NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 26 – NAKURU, Kenya, Jun 26 – First Lady Rachel Ruto and Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP Ida Odinga on Thursday led a major tree-planting exercise in the Mau Forest Complex as part of a long-term conservation programme aimed at restoring one of the country’s most critical ecosystems.

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The exercise, held at Marindas Station in the Mau Forest Complex, brought together local residents, government officials, environmental agencies and development partners under the Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme.

The initiative targets the planting of more than 40 million seedlings over the next decade to restore degraded forest landscapes while supporting livelihoods for surrounding communities.

As part of the restoration campaign, the First Lady adopted 33 hectares within the forest, reaffirming her support for Kenya’s national tree-growing initiative and environmental conservation efforts.

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Speaking at Baringo Primary School in Kuresoi North, Mrs Ruto described the Mau Forest as a symbol of national restoration and environmental stewardship.

“The Mau Forest itself stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a nation chooses restoration over destruction,” she said.

“Its protection required vision, courage and difficult decisions. Protecting our forests was never simply about trees; it was about securing Kenya’s future.”

She emphasized the importance of forests in protecting water towers, supporting agriculture and sustaining livelihoods across the country.

“Our forests are not simply collections of trees. They are living cathedrals of God’s creation. They bring rain to our farms, protect our rivers, purify the air we breathe and sustain millions of livelihoods,” she said.

Mrs Ruto said she remains committed to her target of growing 500 million trees and expanding ecosystem restoration projects across the country, including conservation initiatives in Kakamega Forest.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya