Kenya Taekwondo Federation Champions Green Legacy Ahead of World U-21 Championships
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.
The Kenya Taekwondo Federation (KTF) has taken a bold step in environmental stewardship by launching a large-scale tree-planting initiative to commemorate Mazingira Day. The drive, themed #KenyaYetuMsituWetu, underscores the federation’s commitment to sustainability as it prepares to host the upcoming World U-21 Taekwondo Championships, scheduled for December 3–6, 2025 in Nairobi.
The championship, set to attract more than 3,000 athletes and officials from 140 countries, is expected to be the world’s first carbon-neutral taekwondo event, putting Kenya on the global map as a leader in both sports and climate action.
Launched in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the campaign aims to plant 11,000 trees nationwide in support of Kenya’s 15 billion tree target by 2032. It also aligns with the World Taekwondo Federation’s global sustainability agenda, which promotes environmental protection, youth empowerment, and social responsibility through sport.
Speaking during the launch at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, KTF President Major (Rtd.) Suleiman Sumba said the initiative reflects the core values of taekwondo — discipline, respect, and endurance.
“Every tree we plant is a reflection of the Taekwondo spirit — discipline, endurance, and respect for life. As we prepare to welcome the world to Nairobi, we want to showcase Kenya as a nation that values both sporting excellence and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Kevin Kiarie, Legal Advisor at the State Department of Sports, lauded KTF for integrating environmental action into sports development, noting that the campaign sets an example for other federations.
“This initiative demonstrates how sports can unite communities and inspire environmental consciousness. The Department of Sports remains committed to planting five million trees by 2028, while the Ministry aims to reach 10 million trees, contributing to the national reforestation target,” he said.
Juliana Murugi from the Department of Sports echoed his remarks, praising the federation for linking athletic excellence with ecological responsibility.
The event was hosted by Sports Kenya Acting Director General Gabriel Komora, who commended the federation for using sport as a platform for environmental awareness.
Through #KenyaYetuMsituWetu, KTF aims to ensure that the 2025 World U-21 Taekwondo Championships not only deliver memorable sporting moments but also leave a lasting green legacy, reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in both sports and sustainability.
