BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Framing environmental conservation as a moral and spiritual obligation, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Embu Diocese led hundreds of community members in marking World Environment Day with a clean-up and tree-planting campaign at Kimangaru Market on Thursday.
Speaking during the event, ACK Diocese of Embu Bishop David Muriithi emphasized that caring for the environment is not just a civic duty but a divine mandate.
“The environment is a gift from God. It is our spiritual responsibility to protect it for ourselves and future generations,” he said.
Through its development arm, Anglican Development Services (ADS) Mount Kenya East, the diocese organized the community event in partnership with key environmental stakeholders including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the Embu County Government.
The day began with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at ACK Kimangaru Parish, where six indigenous trees were planted within the church compound. This act symbolized a deeper commitment to climate action rooted in faith and stewardship.
Participants then marched to Kimangaru Market for a clean-up drive involving clergy, youth groups, government officials, and residents. Together, they cleared bushes, collected plastic waste, and raised awareness on the need for a clean and sustainable environment.
ADS Mount Kenya East Executive Director Ture Golicha said over 600 residents took part in the day-long initiative, which included exhibitions on climate-smart agriculture and plastic waste management.
“We’re equipping communities with knowledge and practical tools to adapt to climate change,” Golicha said, adding that food insecurity and poverty can be mitigated through sustainable farming practices.
More than 1,000 tree seedlings were distributed for planting at homes and farms—a move aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and fostering long-term environmental resilience.
Residents like Nyaga Ireri Ndwiga called for stricter enforcement of Kenya’s plastic bag ban, warning that pollution remains rampant despite existing laws.
“Without real enforcement, the ban is just on paper,” he noted.
Embu County Chief Officer for Public Health Henry Nthiga praised the collaborative approach, pointing out that environmental cleanliness is directly linked to better public health outcomes.
“Public health starts with a clean environment,” Thiga said. “This kind of grassroots engagement reduces disease risks caused by poor waste management.”
Observed annually on June 5, World Environment Day promotes global awareness and action for environmental protection.
This year’s theme, Ending Plastic Pollution, highlights the urgent need for united action—an appeal ACK Embu Diocese answered by placing faith at the center of climate responsibility.
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