As part of the ongoing national efforts toward environmental conservation and climate change mitigation, the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU–K) staff, in collaboration with Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) soldiers, the National Police Service (NPS), and members of the local community, conducted a tree planting exercise at Marigat Integrated Day Secondary School in Baringo County.

Over 3,500 assorted tree seedlings were planted across the school compound. The activity was both practical and educational, engaging students and staff in hands-on environmental conservation efforts.

Speaking during the exercise, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Lieutenant General David Tarus, underscored environmental conservation as a pillar of national development and human security. He highlighted that climate change remains a global threat—manifesting through ecosystem loss, rising sea levels, heatwaves, droughts, and famine—which can be mitigated through sustained tree planting and ecosystem restoration.

He further emphasized the need to restore degraded resources, care for existing trees, and embrace continuous environmental stewardship.

The school’s Principal, Mr. Joel Ole Makatio, lauded the partnership, pledging that the school community will nurture the planted trees to maturity. He noted that trees are essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for human well-being.

Local administrators commended the collaborative effort and encouraged the community to take ownership of the initiative.

This noble exercise strengthened inter-agency cooperation among the KDF, NPS, and local communities, reaffirming their shared commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations.