The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has congratulated environmental champion Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott following his appointment as Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign, describing his achievement as a powerful example of citizen-led climate action and national environmental leadership.
The recognition comes after Kibiwott’s extraordinary feat of planting 23,326 trees in 24 hours, a record currently pending ratification by Guinness World Records.
The Ministry further noted that Kibiwott’s ability to mobilise diverse communities reflects the kind of leadership needed to achieve Kenya’s 2032 tree-growing target.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr Deborah Barasa, also hailed Kibiwott’s appointment, terming it well deserved and reflective of strong environmental leadership.
“It was a great privilege to host Kenya’s tree-planting champion, Hillary Kibiwott. I congratulate him on his appointment as Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign, a well-deserved role, as he awaits ratification of his record-breaking challenge by Guinness World Records.”
She added that his leadership will be instrumental in strengthening forest restoration efforts across the country.
“His leadership, commitment, resilience and expertise in mobilising diverse stakeholders will help scale forest conservation and inspire a nationwide restoration movement.”
In addition, the CS affirmed the Ministry’s continued support for scaling restoration efforts across all 47 counties.
“The Ministry, we remain committed to supporting this momentum across all 47 counties, translating individual action into collective climate action while creating green jobs and restoring our forests.”
Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi described the appointment as a defining moment for Kenya’s environmental agenda.
“The appointment of Hillary Kibiwott as Ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign marks a defining moment for Kenya’s restoration agenda. I saw a determined, focused and selfless young man committed to restoring forests in Kaptagat and beyond.”
He added that Kibiwott’s determination underscores the urgency required in climate action.
“The speed at which he planted the trees sends us a clear message: we do not have the luxury of time, we must move with urgency to restore our forests. His appointment as Ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign is one of many recognitions to come for putting nature first.”
Kibiwott was hosted at the Ministry headquarters in Nairobi, where he engaged with Dr. Barasa, PS Mugambi, and George Tarus, Secretary for Forest Development, as he embarks on the next phase of forest conservation advocacy across sectors.
Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign, launched in 2022 by President William Ruto, aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, increase national tree cover to 30 per cent, restore degraded landscapes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create green jobs through large-scale ecosystem restoration led by communities, institutions and young people.
Tree planting continues to be recognised as a key nature-based solution to climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and helping stabilise global temperatures.
