This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On World Environment Day, June 5, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta led a tree planting exercise at the Nairobi Arboretum, commemorating the occasion with government and private sector representatives.
As the country marks 45 years of celebrating World Environment Day, President Kenyatta paid tribute to the late Professor Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Laureate who dedicated her life to protecting the environment.
"It is in recognition of these riches that drove the Nobel Peace Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai, to celebrate our environment and to dedicate herself to protecting it. We must emulate Wangari's example, and show by our stewardship that we too are worthy heirs," the President said.
President Kenyatta emphasized the government's commitment to conservation efforts, citing initiatives such as the restoration of Michuki Park, the expansion of Nairobi National Park, and the reclamation of grabbed forest land.
He also highlighted the importance of forests as a reservoir of biodiversity, stating that Kenya is on course to achieving the 10 percent national tree cover target.
As part of the government's conservation agenda, President Kenyatta assured that all major infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway, are being implemented in a manner that ensures biodiversity is not tampered with.
He called for closer cooperation between government entities, the private sector, and local communities, citing the success of collaborations in reducing wildlife poaching incidents, illegal logging, and human-wildlife conflicts.
