IlBisil Girls plants 400 trees to mark Mazingira Day

IlBisil Senior School Principal Gladys Mincha, DCC Jama Haji, BOM Jackline Saleiyan and KFS Solomon Nchoe planting

IlBisil Girls Senior School in Kajiado county has planted 400 trees to mark Mazingira Day, bringing together government officials, conservation agencies, businesses and community leaders.The exercise was held on October 10, 2026, in line with this year’s theme, “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”The trees include indigenous, local and fruit varieties. They are expected to provide shade, support biodiversity and improve the school environment as they mature.Deputy County Commissioner Jama Haji said the success of the initiative would depend on the collective commitment to environmental conservation and the care given to the seedlings.“Environmental conservation requires all of us to play our part. The collaboration we have seen at IlBisil Girls Senior School reflects the spirit of Mazingira Day. Our responsibility now is to ensure these 400 trees are nurtured to maturity so that today’s effort delivers lasting benefits,” Haji said.The exercise brought together Assistant County Commissioner Laura China, Kenya Forest Service representatives led by IP Solomon Nchoe, Kenya Wildlife Service’s Samuel Kihara and KCB’s Vincent Sule.Also present were SCCIO John Kamau, SCCO Valeria Mabeya, the school’s principal, Mrs Gladys Mincha, and school Board of Management member Jackline Saleiyan who is also the founder of A PACK A MONTH.Chiefs, assistant chiefs and members of the sub-county security committee also participated.Mincha said the trees would improve the school environment while giving learners an opportunity to understand the importance of environmental conservation.“These trees are an investment in our school’s future. They will provide shade, improve our surroundings and, in the case of fruit trees, offer an additional source of food. They also give our students an opportunity to learn that caring for the environment involves everyday responsibility,” she said.The planting exercise also linked environmental conservation to the wellbeing of girls, with Saleiyan saying a healthy learning environment was an important part of supporting students.“Supporting girls means caring about the environment in which they learn and grow. Alongside our work to promote their dignity and wellbeing, we must also help create healthy, welcoming learning spaces. These trees are a legacy for the girls here today and those who will come after them,” Saleiyan said.The initiative brought together public institutions, the private sector and community leadership around a shared environmental goal.During the event, it was noted that schools can use tree-growing activities to help learners connect classroom lessons with practical conservation.The speakers said students should participate in watering, tending and monitoring seedlings while learning about different tree species and the conditions they need to grow.The inclusion of fruit trees also offers a link between conservation and food production once the trees mature and begin bearing fruit.

Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCO) Valeriah Mabeya, students and area chief planting a tree