By Caroline Katana
As Kenya races to meet its ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, the Kenya Navy is stepping beyond its traditional security role to take position on a different frontline—the fight against climate change.
On April 17, the Navy, alongside a coalition of government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, planted 5,000 fruit trees in Mwamivi area, Tiwi Ward, Kwale County , marking not just a ceremonial exercise, but a clear signal that environmental conservation is now being treated as a matter of national security, resilience, and economic sustainability.
Speaking during the exercise, Brigadier General Mohamed Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, delivered a speech on behalf of Major General Paul Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative.
“It is a great honor to join you in this important national tree-growing exercise an initiative that reflects our shared responsibility to protect our environment and secure the future of our nation,” Shemote said.
County political advisor Mshenga Ruga alongside Brigadier general Mohamed Shemote.
He noted that the exercise aligns with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which requires at least 10 percent tree cover, and supports the government’s broader target of achieving 30 percent tree cover through the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032.
Shemote cited the continued call to action by President Dr. William Ruto, who has emphasized environmental protection as central to the country’s future.
Environmental protection is key to a sustainable future,” the President has previously stated, warning that “climate change is a reality we can no longer ignore.
“These words reinforce that environmental conservation is no longer optional it is a strategic necessity,” Shemote said.
He added that the military’s role is evolving to include support for national resilience, particularly in safeguarding natural resources.
“Our responsibility goes beyond protecting territorial integrity. We are equally committed to supporting national efforts that strengthen resilience, including environmental conservation,” he said.
Guavas seedlings
Shemote emphasized that while tree planting is critical, long-term success depends on sustained care.
“Planting trees is only the beginning. The real success lies in nurturing them to maturity. Every tree we grow contributes directly to climate resilience and the prosperity of future generations,” he noted.
In additional remarks, Shemote expressed confidence that the country can achieve and even surpass—its tree-planting target ahead of schedule.
“Fifteen billion trees may sound like a large number, but it is achievable if Kenyans commit themselves and work together. We can reach this target even before 2032,” he said.
He encouraged communities to view tree planting as both a responsibility and an economic opportunity.
“These are trees we plant for ourselves. If you grow fruit trees on your land, the benefits will directly support your household and the wider community, “he added.
While access to seedlings can sometimes be a challenge due to economic constraints, efforts are being made to ensure every resident has an equal opportunity to participate.
Officials from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility.
“Trees play a critical role in attracting rainfall, providing timber, improving air quality, and supporting traditional medicine. However, there has been a growing concern over tree cutting without adequate replanting,” a KFS official said.
The official stressed the importance of sustainability.
“Planting trees is not the most difficult part—the real challenge is ensuring that they grow to maturity. Communities must take responsibility for protecting and nurturing them,” the official added.
Kwale County currently has a tree cover of 13.99 percent and a forest cover of 5.59 percent—figures that highlight both progress and the need for continued restoration efforts.
The inclusion of fruit trees in the exercise is also intended to strengthen food security while promoting environmental conservation.
Mshenga Ruga, a political advisor in Kwale County, highlighted the county government’s contribution to the national tree-planting initiative.
He said that since the presidential directive, Kwale County has planted approximately 500,000 trees, including fruit trees, as part of its contribution to the national target.
Ruga added that the County Department of Agriculture has put in place plans to distribute 31,000 fruit tree seedlings to farmers to enhance both environmental conservation and household incomes.
He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between county authorities, national agencies, and local communities to ensure long-term impact.
Religious leaders also welcomed the initiative, pointing to its potential to improve livelihoods.
Father Amogas Mudawida of the Holy Ghost Cathedral said the planting of fruit trees such as guavas would help diversify agricultural production in the area.
“In Mwamivi, we already have mangoes and coconuts, but there is a need to introduce more varieties of fruit trees that can help uplift households economically,” he said.
The involvement of the Kenya Navy and other stakeholders is encouraging. As a church, we believe these trees will serve as a lasting symbol and inspiration to the community.
The Mwamivi exercise reflects a broader national effort that is bringing together the military, government institutions, private sector actors, and grassroots communities in the fight against climate change.
As Kenya advances toward its environmental targets, stakeholders agree that success will not be measured solely by the number of trees planted, but by the collective commitment to ensure they survive and thrive.
“Together, let us grow not just trees, but a greener, stronger, and more secure nation,” Shemote concluded.
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