On October 10th, 2024, Mandera County celebrated Mazingira Day with an additional reason to rejoice—the prestigious AIPH Green City Award, which was recently bestowed upon Mandera Municipality. This honor, awarded by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), recognizes our county’s exceptional efforts to promote sustainable urban greening and environmental stewardship.
During a commemorative event held at Mandera Stadium, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif emphasized that the AIPH award is not just a trophy, but a symbol of the collective commitment to restore and enhance Mandera’s environment. He acknowledged the contributions of community members, especially the women who have been instrumental in tree planting and greening initiatives.
Governor Khalif also paid tribute to the former county leadership, whose vision laid the foundation for Mandera’s greening projects. He reiterated that the health of the environment is crucial to the well-being of the community and called for continued efforts to nurture and protect it. Citing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya’s Vision 2030, the governor highlighted the importance of sustainability in all future development.
The event featured the planting of over 1,000 trees and the distribution of 5,000 seedlings to residents, advancing Mandera’s commitment to the national goal of planting 15 billion trees. Governor Khalif urged community members to plant trees, practice responsible land management, and discourage environmentally harmful practices like charcoal burning and deforestation.
As Mandera continues its journey towards becoming a greener, more resilient county, the governor called for ongoing collaboration among community members, government partners, and civil society organizations. He closed the event by expressing gratitude for the support and commitment of all stakeholders, reiterating his vision for a greener Mandera that could one day rival the verdant landscapes of Kenya’s highlands.
This recognition as a Green City is a testament to Mandera’s determination to create a sustainable future, and the county remains committed to expanding its greening initiatives, aiming to transform its semi-arid terrain into an oasis of hope and natural beauty.
