This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On his 93rd birthday, retired teacher Joseph Wanjau made a wish come true by having his family plant trees equivalent to his age in all the schools he had taught in his career.
The Kenya Forest Service donated 93 indigenous tree seedlings and guided the 'Let a Tree Grow as a Candle Melts' planting initiative at Mutwewathi Primary School in Nyeri County, one of the six schools where Mwalimu Joseph taught since 1947.
Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau led the initiative, saying, "As the candles melt down on your birthday, trees should grow. As the cake is being cut, a tree should grow. Because trees are a legacy one can give to self and the future generations and make a difference in celebrating a life lived."
He challenged Kenyans to plant trees on their birthdays and other special occasions, saying, "Plant trees to mark your birthday, that of your parents, grandparents, your children, your loved ones and let the trees grow as you grow."
With a population of over 45 million, if everyone takes this initiative, Kenya's landscape will change for the better, and the national target of 10 per cent forest cover by 2022 will no longer be a challenge.
