Kenya Taekwondo Federation President Major (Rtd.) Suleiman Sumba plants a tree assisted by members of the Local Organising Committee to mark the launch of the initiative. Looking on are Kevin Kiarie, Legal Advisor Ministry of Sports (in suit), and Department of Sports Representative Ms. Juliana Murugi.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, October 11, 2025 — The Kenya Taekwondo Federation (KTF) has joined the nation in marking Mazingira Day with a major tree-planting drive, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability while gearing up for the upcoming World U-21 Taekwondo Championships.
The initiative, launched under the banner #KenyaYetuMsituWetu, aims to plant 11,000 trees as part of Kenya’s national goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. It also supports the World Taekwondo Federation’s global sustainability agenda, which promotes climate resilience and youth empowerment through sport.
Unveiled in partnership with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the World U-21 Taekwondo Championships, the campaign embodies unity, discipline, and environmental responsibility the same values that define taekwondo.
This year’s championships, set for December 3–6, 2025, in Nairobi, will be the world’s first carbon-neutral taekwondo event, attracting over 3,000 athletes and officials from 140 countries.
Speaking during the tree-planting ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, KTF President Major (Rtd.) Suleiman Sumba said the federation was proud to play its part in Kenya’s green transformation.
“Every tree we plant is a reflection of the Taekwondo spirit discipline, endurance, and respect for life,” said Sumba. “As we prepare to host thousands of athletes from across the world, we want them to see Kenya not just as a sporting nation but as a champion for sustainability.”
Kevin Kiarie, Legal Advisor at the State Department of Sports, praised the initiative, describing it as a model for how sports can drive environmental action.
“This campaign shows how sports can inspire national pride and environmental consciousness,” he said. “The Ministry remains committed to supporting the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. By 2028, the Department of Sports alone will plant five million trees, while the entire Ministry will reach ten million.”
Juliana Murugi from the Department of Sports echoed his remarks, noting that the federation’s effort blends athletic excellence with environmental responsibility.
“The Ministry fully supports programs that merge sports with sustainability,” she said. “They strengthen both our athletes and our planet.”
The launch was hosted by Sports Kenya Acting Director General Gabriel Komora, who applauded KTF’s leadership in using sport as a tool for environmental change.
Through the #KenyaYetuMsituWetu campaign, the Kenya Taekwondo Federation hopes to leave behind more than just sporting memories a green legacy that will stand as a symbol of Kenya’s leadership in both sports and sustainability.
