Kenya to Mark Mazingira Day 2025 with 71 Million Fruit Trees and Nationwide Clean-Up Drive

Kenya will commemorate this year’s Mazingira Day on October 10 with an ambitious environmental campaign targeting the planting of more than 71 million fruit trees in schools and a nationwide clean-up exercise.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry announced that the 2025 celebration will run under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship”. The initiative aims to blend environmental restoration with nutrition, education, and livelihoods.

According to the Forestry Principal Secretary, fruit trees were chosen for their multiple benefits, ranging from improved nutrition for school children to biodiversity enhancement and income generation.

“Fruit trees nourish children with vitamins, create income opportunities, enhance biodiversity, and instill a sense of environmental responsibility among young learners,” he said, calling on Kenyans to return to their primary schools under the rallying slogan #TurudiPrimoTukadonateFruitTreesNaKucleanEnvironment.

Celebrations and National Targets

The national event will be hosted at Kabuyefwe Primary School and Kabuyefwe Boys in Kiminini, Trans-Nzoia County, where 10,000 fruit trees are expected to be planted on 60 acres. The program will also include mentorship sessions, cultural performances, and exhibitions.

At least 9,127 primary schools across the country will hold simultaneous activities coordinated by assistant chiefs and supported by local leaders, alumni, and communities. The goal is to plant 71.14 million seedlings across 35,570 schools, with each school expected to grow at least 2,000 fruit trees. Schools with limited space will distribute surplus seedlings to pupils for home planting.

Build-Up and Partnerships

Mazingira Day 2025 ties into other national events, including World Clean-Up Day (September 20), Chiefs’ Climate Action Day (October 3), and the upcoming National Youth Summit. Preparations are being overseen by a National Planning Committee working through four sub-committees on logistics, communications, technical support, and resource mobilization.

Why Fruit Trees?

Officials said fruit trees would directly benefit children’s health, serve as practical learning tools on sustainability, and boost family incomes through fruit sales. They also play a vital role in climate resilience by enriching biodiversity and improving local microclimates.

A National Call to Action

From October 3 to 9, Kenyans have been urged to return to their former primary schools to donate and plant fruit trees, clean school compounds and markets, and mentor learners on environmental stewardship.

“Mazingira Day is not just a holiday—it is a movement to restore Kenya’s landscapes, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations,” the Ministry said in its statement.