Wangari Maathai Institute Leads Labour Day Tree-Growing Drive at DCI Headquarters

On Labour Day, May 1, 2025, the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies (WMI), in collaboration with the Hearts of Green initiative, partnered with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in a symbolic tree-growing exercise at the DCI Headquarters, nestled in the heart of Karura Forest. The event was part of the Landscape Restoration and Tree Growing (LANSRET) programme a three-year initiative aimed at rehabilitating degraded landscapes and promoting environmental stewardship across Kenya.

The Director of Criminal Investigations, Mr. Mohamed Amin, through a speech delivered by DCI’s Director of Personnel, Mr. Francis Ndiema, called on all Kenyans to embrace environmental responsibility, particularly in the face of the climate crisis. “Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges of our time. As we commemorate Labour Day, let us renew our commitment to preserving our planet,” Mr. Amin’s message read. He expressed pride in the DCI’s environmental milestones, highlighting that the institution has planted over 19,200 seedlings of diverse species at sites including the Mazingira Complex, the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), the Magadi Training Field, and the Kiambu County Police Headquarters. He further appreciated Equity Bank’s generous donation of 3,000 seedlings, emphasizing how such partnerships enhance national efforts toward reforestation and sustainability.

WMI Director, Prof. Thuita Thenya, echoed the foundational ethos of the Institute and its namesake, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai. “When we plant trees, we plant seeds of hope and peace,” he said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the newly planted trees. “Environmental restoration is not a one-off event. We will frequently be coming to check on the growing process together with our WMI students.” His remarks reinforced the Institute’s commitment to combining academic rigour with community-engaged ecological action.

Representing the Hearts of Green initiative, Executive Director Moses Muya reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to rallying more partners toward a greener Kenya. “Equity will still come back and bring the 100,000 trees that we promised,” he stated. “And as we progress, we’ll also look for other companies that will come and contribute soon too.” His statement reflected the growing coalition of public and private sector actors championing landscape restoration and climate resilience.

In his personal remarks, Mr. Ndiema urged officers to maintain unity not only in advancing organizational goals but also in contributing to environmental and community welfare. “This will go a long way in addressing ecological challenges,” he said, adding that expanding forest cover helps mitigate climate change and desertification. He reiterated the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of Kenya’s climate agenda.

Also present was Dr. Philip Ouma, Head of Reforms, Research, and Innovation Development (RRID) at the DCI, who emphasized the importance of sustainability in such initiatives. Tasked with ensuring the continuity of the tree-growing programme, Dr. Ouma applauded the officers for their dedicated environmental efforts.

The Labour Day event powerfully demonstrated the potential of cross-sector collaboration in advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate goals. Through partnerships between academia, law enforcement, environmental NGOs, and the private sector, it underscored a shared national resolve to restore ecosystems and secure a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.