On 2nd April 2026, a multi-agency tree planting exercise was held at Irangi Forest in Embu County, bringing together national and county government institutions, environmental agencies, and members of the local community. The initiative formed part of the broader national effort to promote environmental conservation, restore forest cover, and advance sustainability initiatives, in line with Kenya’s ambitious goal of increasing national tree cover.

The exercise attracted participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), the State Department for Industry, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), the Numerical Machining Complex, the Embu County Government, the Community Forest Association, and the local community. ACA was represented by its Environmental and Sustainability Committee, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The event was officially flagged off by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, CBS, alongside the Deputy Governor of Embu County, Hon. Justus Kinywa Mugo. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between national and county governments in advancing environmental conservation and reaffirmed a shared commitment to protecting forest ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.

Following the allocation of planting sites, participating institutions commenced the tree planting exercise under the guidance and supervision of forestry experts. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority contributed to the initiative by planting trees, supporting the restoration of degraded forest areas and the protection of critical water catchment zones that serve surrounding communities in Embu County. The involvement of agencies such as KFS, KEBS, KEPHIS, KIPI, KIRDI, and the Numerical Machining Complex demonstrated a strong multi-agency approach to environmental stewardship and public service.

The local community and members of the Community Forest Association turned up in large numbers and played an active role in the exercise. Working alongside government officials and institutional representatives, they participated in planting trees and maintaining the site, reflecting a shared commitment to conservation and the sustainable management of forest resources. This collaboration further strengthened the spirit of collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The tree planting initiative made a meaningful contribution to the restoration of forest cover at Irangi Forest while supporting broader efforts to address deforestation and protect vital water sources. It also reaffirmed the Presidential directive to plant 15 billion trees, highlighting the critical role of public institutions, communities, and individual citizens in achieving this national target.

The event attracted media coverage, which helped amplify the message of environmental conservation and showcased the role of public institutions, community organizations, and citizens in supporting the national tree growing agenda.

Overall, the exercise stood out as a successful and impactful demonstration of the power of collaboration among government institutions, county leadership, community organizations, and local residents in advancing environmental conservation and sustainability, while reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to a greener and more resilient future.