By Shaban Omar
Msambweni Technical and Vocational College in partnership with the Kenya Navy has vowed to strengthen efforts of tree planting and environmental conservation in schools and community.
Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta Primary school in Msambweni where 850 trees were planted, the TVC’s principal Maria Kimonyi said they plan to continue planting more trees in schools across the region as part of their community outreach and environmental sustainability programs.
“We are not only focusing on education but also on the well-being of our children. Planting fruit trees means better nutrition, cleaner air, and a greener future for our community,” said Kimonyi.
The Principal stressed that the initiative aims to ensure that learners have access to fresh fruits in the near future while also contributing to environmental conservation.
Kimonyi also encouraged school administrators and parents to support the initiative by ensuring that the trees are well cared for and protected.
She said a clean environment creates a conducive learning platform for children hence contribution to the general health and development.
Kenya Navy officer in charge of Msambweni, Sammy Kosgei, has urged the local community to embrace the culture of planting trees at least twice a year.
He said the Kenya Navy has been at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts, working closely with coastal communities to increase the region’s tree cover.
Kosgei noted that the Navy’s involvement in tree planting goes beyond environmental protection, emphasizing that it is part of the force’s broader mission to support sustainable development and improve livelihoods.
“Our work is not only about safeguarding Kenya’s maritime borders. We are also committed to protecting our environment because it is the foundation of national security and community well-being,” he said.
He added that the Kenya Navy has initiated several reforestation programs within its bases and in neighboring communities across the Coast region, including Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.
The programs aim to restore degraded areas, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote a greener and cleaner environment.
Kosgei also praised residents and local institutions that have partnered with the Navy in previous tree planting drives, saying such collaborations have significantly contributed to the government’s goal of achieving 30 percent national tree cover by 2032.
He called on more organizations, schools, and youth groups to join hands with the Navy in future environmental initiatives.
Jomo Kenyatta Primary and JSS principal Juma Salim welcomed the move, saying it aligns with the government’s school feeding and greening programs, which seek to promote self-sustenance and environmental responsibility among learners.
Salim said the school will continue with the tree planting exercise and ensure that all the planted trees are well nurtured to maturity.
He underscored the importance of reforestation, noting that the destruction of forests and uncontrolled cutting down of trees often lead to environmental disasters such as droughts, floods, and soil erosion.
Salim further emphasized that every individual has a role to play in restoring the environment, adding that sustainable tree planting initiatives are key to combating climate change and preserving natural resources for future generations.
He encouraged students and the community to take personal responsibility in protecting the environment by avoiding activities that degrade the ecosystem.
