National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) personnel in collaboration with Army, Navy, Airforce Retirees of Kenya (ANARK) today conducted a tree planting exercise at the University grounds in Lanet, Nakuru.

The exercise is in line with the Commander-in-Chief’s national tree restoration programme aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.

During the exercise, NDU-K Vice-Chancellor (VC) Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai expressed his appreciation to the ANARK for their continued efforts towards actualizing environmental security through tree planting exercises.

“This event is a reminder that environmental protection is a critical component of national security and there are a lot of ecosystem benefits that we can get from the environment, let us reflect on the critical importance of environmental security and how then we can mitigate climate change.” said Lt Gen Mutai.

He pledged that the University fraternity will take care of the planted trees to ensure their survival to maturity. He also challenged the members to not only grow trees in military establishments but also in their own residences.

He emphasized, “The presence of trees within the environment does not only contribute to its upkeep but is also vital for our own well-being as human beings.”

Speaking during the function, Amb Col (Rtd) Elijah Matibo, a trustee representing the organization's patron Lieutenant General (Rtd) Humphrey Njoroge, noted that climate change continues to be a global threat with devastating effects such as loss of ecosystems, rising sea levels, heat waves and prolonged periods of droughts and famine which can only be redressed through constant tree planting.

He reiterated on the importance of restoring degraded natural resource, caring for the available trees, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate changes through embracing of continuous tree planting.

ANARK is a welfare association of retired KDF personnel of all ranks, who retired honourably. Its mission is to provide ways and means of sustainable welfare standards for registered members and their families residing within Nakuru County and its environs. Among its core corporate social responsibility activities is environmental conservation.

The tree planting exercise was successfully conducted with hundreds of tree seedlings of various indigenous species being planted.

Present during the event were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Finance & Administration, Major General (Rtd) Patrick Amogola, DVC Academic and Student Affairs, Prof Anne Muigai, Directors and Heads of Departments at NDU-K, Officers from Kenya Forest Service led by Regional Forest Conservator, Martin Mamati and members of ANARK.