The greatest transformations in history often began with small, intentional actions. Planting and growing a tree is one such profound act that can change our environment, economy, and future. The ‘Plant Your Age’ initiative is built on this idea — each of us has the power to contribute, starting with our own birthdays. This call challenges individuals and corporates to take responsibility and become part of something bigger.
On ‘14th September’ at Tatu City, we will celebrate ‘Plant Your Age Day 2024’. This day isn’t just about planting trees — it’s a reminder to make every anniversary a day to give back to the Earth. Imagine planting and growing trees equal to your age, turning each birthdate into a gift for future generations. Every tree represents a year of life lived, and a gift of life for the future.
My own journey began at age 14, when I resolved to plant and grow trees equivalent to my age. Soon, I planted trees for my parents, and my siblings followed, making it a family tradition. In 2011, I encouraged Kenyans to plant trees equal to Laurette Prof. Wangari Maathai’s age after she passed on. The result? 15.7 million trees were planted in a year. In 2012, we established Kibaki Green Corner by planting 80 trees to commemorate President Mwai Kibaki’s 80th birthday. Two years ago, President William Ruto planted 56 trees for his birthday. As a result, to these, many people across the continent continue to plant and grow trees to mark their anniversaries. Each act created a living legacy, and now I invite you to be part of this. Imagine if every Kenyan planted trees equal to their age — it’s more than symbolic, it’s transformative.
Trees provide water, food, and livelihoods, giving us the power to thrive. In a country where the cost of living is a struggle, trees offer real solutions. They secure clean water, improve soil for farming, and generate income through agroforestry, timber, and fruits, to name a few. A single tree can fuel a family’s aspirations and power a community because trees are symbols of resilience and growth — qualities we all strive for personally and nationally.
Kenya’s government has set an ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Government agencies, ministries, and officials have been assigned targets to step up. This mission also needs personal commitment. What’s your target? How many trees will you plant and grow to help create a thriving future for yourself, your family, and your nation?
“Plant Your Age” aligns perfectly with global goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Trees contribute to clean water (SDG 6), life on land (SDG 15), and economic growth (SDG 8), among many others. By planting and growing trees, we’re not just saving the environment — we’re building a thriving economy. Corporates can elevate this movement through Corporate Social Investments (CSI), encouraging team members to plant trees to commemorate their anniversaries. They can plant trees equivalent to the number of employees or products they produce, while supporting community efforts and creating permanent reminders of the initiative.
The simplicity of this movement is its power. It doesn’t need massive funding or complex technology. It begins with each of us. Imagine the ripple effect if every Kenyan gathered their friends to plant trees for their anniversaries. If I can plant trees for every year of my life, so can you. Let’s stop waiting for others — let’s start planning now. We all come from somewhere, so let’s support livelihoods, set land aside or partner with the Kenya Forest Service or similar institutions, gather certified seedlings, and grow trees that will thrive.
The future of Kenya’s prosperity lies in how we care for our God-given natural resources. Trees are the key to a thriving, resilient nation. Let every anniversary become a ‘Plant Your Age Day’. By setting personal goals, we can create a wave of positive change across the nation. ‘Ama niaje’? Think green, act green!
