The Mustard Seed Foundation has set an ambitious goal to plant 15 million trees ,in support of the Presidential National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign, which targets the planting of 15 billion trees nationwide, to increase Kenya’s forest cover to 30% by 2032, while addressing critical environmental and socio-economic priorities, including climate change mitigation, restoration of degraded landscapes, and enhancement of food security.

To date, Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Gakami, PhD., has successfully planted over 500,000 assorted indigenous and fruit trees across various regions of the country. The leading beneficiary counties include Kajiado and Murang’a.

To achieve this milestone, the Foundation is appealing to corporates, non-governmental organizations, institutions, and well-wishers to partner with us in this transformative environmental effort. Contributions are facilitated through sponsorship of tree seedlings at a cost of KSh 250 per seedling.

Together, we can restore ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Strengthening Bonds: Dagoretti NPS Officers and Community Ring in the New Year Together

Officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and members of the community gathered yesterday at the Dagoretti South Sub-County Headquarters to welcome the New Year in a spirit of unity, partnership, and mutual appreciation. The event, hosted by the Sub-County Administration Police Commander for Dagoretti South, Dr. Margaret Gakami, ASP, featured a vibrant “Cowboy” theme and brought together senior government officials, police officers, and local residents.

Leadership Rooted in Service and Community Development

Dr. Gakami—who is also the Founder and Director of the Mustard Seed Foundation, an organization widely recognized for its humanitarian programs, environmental conservation initiatives, and strong advocacy for women’s empowerment—continues to demonstrate exemplary leadership by seamlessly integrating community development efforts with her policing mandate.

Chief Guest Commends Collaboration and Mentorship

The Chief Guest, Mr. Charles Mutuma, AIG, Commandant of NGAPU, applauded Dr. Gakami for her outstanding work and emphasized the importance of mentorship and peer leadership among Sub-County Commanders. He thanked all participants for their support and highlighted the powerful impact of sustained collaboration between the police and the public.

He further noted that strong police–community partnerships have contributed significantly to the reduction of crime in the area and encouraged continued cooperation to further enhance public safety and security.

Strengthening Police–Community Relations

Beyond the celebrations, the event served as a meaningful platform to reinforce trust, promote unity, and reaffirm the shared responsibility of crime prevention. NPS officers from across the sub-county participated, reflecting a growing culture of teamwork and mutual respect that has strengthened public confidence and improved security outcomes.

A Celebration Filled With Joy and Engagement

Entertainment was provided by the APS Jazz Live Band and children from the Children’s Garden Home in Uthiru, who captivated the audience with energetic performances. The children also enjoyed a memorable experience riding police horses from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Mounted Division, adding a unique and dignified touch to the occasion.

Guests engaged in interactive activities, shared meals, and enjoyed refreshments, further deepening the bond between the police and the community.

Dignitaries in Attendance

Among those present were:

  • Mr. Salim Ware, SSP — Embakasi Central Sub-County Administration Police Commander

  • Ms. Esther Mwikali, SSP — Dagoretti North Sub-County Administration Police Commander

  • Mr. Abdulaziz, SP — Embakasi West Sub-County Administration Police Commander

  • Mr. Kivinda Kilonzo, SSP — Dagoretti Division Administration Police Commander

  • Mr. Maina, SSP — Kajiado County Administration Police Commander

  • Mr. Kivuva, SSP — Kajiado County Criminal Investigations Officer

The event reflected unity, collaboration, and a continued commitment to advancing security and community well-being across Dagoretti South and beyond.

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The Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation joined the Nice Place Foundation in Kimana, Kajiado South to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child and celebrate the 4th Anniversary and Leadership Academy Graduation of the foundation.Representing the Foundation, Dr. Margaret Gakami attended the inspiring event, witnessing the graduation of the 10th and 11th Cohorts of young girls who have completed the transformative Nice Foundation Programme.It was truly heartwarming to see lives that have been rescued, nurtured, and empowered—young women who are now equipped with education, skills, and confidence to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.We commend the Nice Place Foundation for their remarkable work in providing a platform where girls can learn, grow, and thrive. Their dedication continues to inspire hope, resilience, and leadership among the next generation of women.

Together, we celebrate the power of education, empowerment, and opportunity—because when girls rise, entire communities rise with them. 🌍💪

Margaret Stewart from Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation (in green T-shirt) poses for a photo during the event.

On October 10th (Mazingira Day), the Ready Aiders Foundation hosted a Tree Planting Event at Kestrel Manor School, in partnership with the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation.The event brought together neurodivergent and neurotypical communities in a powerful demonstration of unity, compassion, and shared purpose.Each tree planted became a symbol of hope, resilience, and inclusivity, highlighting how environmental stewardship can also nurture understanding and acceptance across all communities.We are honored to have partnered in this transformative initiative — one that reminds us that when we stand together, we not only heal the planet but also strengthen the bonds that connect us all.

Together, we continue to grow a legacy of inclusion, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. 🌱

Dr. Margaret Gakami during her graduation party event in Nairobi on September 19,2025.
Founder and Director of Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation  and Assistant Superintendent of Police Margaret Wanjuhi Gakami becomes the first Female Administration Police Officer in Kenya to obtain a PhD.
Dr Gakami was conferred the Doctorate in Project Planning and Management At the University of Nairobi.This is more than just a graduation—it is the celebration of a journey. A journey of a girl born in a small village called Illasit, at the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, who dared to dream, and dared even more to pursue that dream.
she joined the Administration Police Service in May 2011. Have Since then, served in various postings, mostly within the Security of Government Buildings Unit, and today, serveS as the Sub-County Commander for Dagoretti South Sub-County,Nairobi.
Her research focused on traffic management, particularly the performance of intelligent traffic control systems to help decongest Nairobi. This will help contribute to policy and practice in our urban planning.
In 2023, she founded the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation, focused on environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and community development. With the help of partners and friends, the foundation has planted over 300,000 trees and drilled boreholes for schools.
As Eliud Kipchoge says: “Human beings are unlimited.” And as Nelson Mandela reminds us: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” She promise to serve with humility, integrity, and honor, using her degree to advocate for reforms, support transformation, and uphold justice—not just by enforcing the law, but by leading with compassion and wisdom.

Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation  Founder Margaret Gakami  awarded a global recognition award for her distinguished leadership by Leaders Of All Nations International (LOANI)  a global nonprofit organization uniting leaders and changemakers to advance humanitarian work, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and inclusive progress across all nations.

In a continued effort to promote environmental conservation and community empowerment, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation has embarked on a transformative project—distributing fruit tree seedlings to the Ilasit community in Loitokitok. This initiative not only contributes to Kenya’s broader reforestation goals but also provides sustainable economic and nutritional benefits to local families.

Why Fruit Trees? 🌳🍎

Fruit trees play a vital role in both environmental conservation and economic empowerment. By distributing seedlings to the Ilasit community, the project aims to:
Enhance Food Security – Providing nutritious fruits for households, reducing dependency on external food sources.
Create Economic Opportunities – Enabling families to sell surplus produce, generating income.
Improve Environmental Health – Trees absorb carbon dioxide, improve soil fertility, and offer shade.
Support Climate Resilience – Helping the community adapt to changing weather patterns by preventing soil erosion and retaining moisture.

Types of Fruit Trees Distributed 🌿🌍

The foundation has carefully selected resilient and high-yielding fruit trees that thrive in Loitokitok’s climate. These include:
🍊 Orange Trees – Rich in Vitamin C, great for nutrition and local markets.
🥭 Mango Trees – A staple in many Kenyan households with great commercial value.
🍋 Lemon Trees – Useful for both consumption and medicinal purposes.
🌰 Avocado Trees – High in demand for both local consumption and export.

Community Involvement: A Collective Effort 🤝

The Ilasit community has been actively engaged in this initiative, ensuring that the seedlings are properly planted and nurtured for long-term sustainability. The foundation provides:
Training on Proper Tree Care – Educating farmers and families on watering, pruning, and pest control.
Monitoring & Support – Regular follow-ups to ensure survival and growth.
Collaboration with Local Leaders – Involving village elders, chiefs, and local institutions to drive community-wide participation.

Impact & Future Goals 🌱🚜

The project has already seen overwhelming participation, with hundreds of families receiving fruit tree seedlings. Moving forward, the foundation aims to:
📌 Expand to more villages within Loitokitok and beyond.
📌 Increase the number of seedlings distributed annually.
📌 Partner with schools and youth groups to encourage long-term conservation efforts.

By distributing fruit tree seedlings, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation is not just planting trees—we are planting hope, sustainability, and prosperity for the Ilasit community. Every seedling represents a step towards a greener, healthier, and more self-reliant future.

🌍 Join us in growing a better tomorrow! 🌱💚

#TreePlantingKE #GreeningLoitokitok #CommunityEmpowerment #FoodSecurity 🍎🌿

Successful reforestation requires more than just planting trees—it starts with quality seedlings that can thrive in diverse climatic conditions. Recognizing this, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation has taken a community-driven approach to tree planting by partnering with local nurseries in Murang’a and Kajiado Counties. These nurseries serve as the foundation for large-scale afforestation, ensuring a steady supply of both indigenous and exotic tree species to support Kenya’s reforestation efforts.

The Role of Community Nurseries in Conservation

By engaging with community groups to establish and maintain nurseries, the foundation not only ensures a consistent seedling supply but also fosters economic empowerment at the grassroots level. The benefits of this initiative include:

🌱 Increased Seedling Availability – Ensuring a diverse range of tree species for reforestation projects.
💰 Economic Upliftment – Providing local communities with income through the sale of seedlings.
🌍 Climate Adaptation – Selecting tree varieties that can withstand different climatic conditions, ensuring long-term survival.
🤝 Partnerships for Sustainability – Strengthening collaborations with organizations like the Kenya Forest Service to enhance reforestation efforts.

Tree Species Cultivated in the Nurseries

The community nurseries cultivate a wide range of trees, including:
Indigenous Trees – Such as Meru Oak and Mukau, which support biodiversity and ecological balance.
Exotic Trees – Like eucalyptus and pine, which are fast-growing and used for timber and environmental restoration.
Fruit Trees – Including mango, avocado, and citrus trees, which provide nutritional and economic benefits to communities.

A Sustainable Approach to Reforestation

The Mustard Seed Foundation does not just plant trees—it ensures that every seedling has the best chance of survival by sourcing from nurseries that provide healthy, well-adapted seedlings. Through this model:
More trees are planted and successfully grown, increasing forest cover.
Communities take ownership of environmental conservation.
Kenya moves closer to achieving the 15 Billion Tree Planting Initiative led by H.E. President Ruto.

Conclusion

By integrating community participation with environmental conservation, the nursery initiative by the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation is creating a sustainable pathway to reforestation. This project not only supports Kenya’s afforestation goals but also empowers local communities, proving that conservation can be both impactful and economically beneficial.

🌍 Join us in growing a greener Kenya—one seedling at a time! 🌳💚

#TreeNurseriesKE #CommunityEmpowerment #15BillionTrees 🌱

As the world grapples with climate change, Kenya has taken a bold step by launching the 15 Billion Tree Planting Initiative, spearheaded by H.E. President William Ruto, to be achieved by 2032. This ambitious initiative aims to reduce greenhouse emissions, reverse deforestation, and restore 5.1 million hectares of degraded land.

In support of this national effort, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation is actively working with the Ministry of Interior to implement the Greening Police Stations Project, a nationwide tree-planting campaign aimed at transforming police stations into eco-friendly spaces.

Why Greening Police Stations?

Police stations are strategic locations for tree-planting efforts due to their vast land coverage, high visibility, and influence within communities. By integrating green spaces into these areas, the project aims to:
Enhance Environmental Conservation – Increasing Kenya’s tree cover and contributing to carbon sequestration.
Create a Healthier Work Environment – Providing shade, fresh air, and a serene atmosphere for law enforcement officers.
Promote Climate Resilience – Contributing to the fight against deforestation and land degradation.
Strengthen Community-Police Relations – Engaging officers and local communities in conservation efforts.

The Role of the Mustard Seed Foundation

As a key partner in this initiative, the Mustard Seed Foundation is committed to:
🌱 Mobilizing Resources: Working with government agencies, NGOs, and well-wishers to provide seedlings, tools, and support.
🌳 Tree Planting & Maintenance: Ensuring that trees are not only planted but also nurtured to maturity.
👮‍♂️ Engaging Police Officers: Encouraging law enforcement officers to take an active role in the sustainability of their environment.
🤝 Community Involvement: Partnering with schools, environmental groups, and residents to enhance the impact.

Long-Term Vision

This project is not just about tree planting—it is about creating a culture of environmental responsibility within the police force and beyond. With consistent support and expansion, the initiative has the potential to significantly contribute to Kenya’s reforestation goals and create a greener, healthier nation.

Conclusion

The Greening Police Stations Project is a bold and innovative approach to tackling climate change while improving working environments for police officers. By integrating sustainability into security spaces, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation is proving that every sector has a role to play in environmental conservation.

🌍 Join us in this noble cause! Let’s green Kenya, one tree at a time!

#GreeningPoliceStations #15BillionTreesKE #ClimateActionNow 🌳🚔

Access to quality healthcare and sports facilities plays a crucial role in the well-being and development of any community. Recognizing this need, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation has initiated the Namanga Project, an ambitious plan to establish a community health facility and a modern stadium in Namanga. This project aims to improve healthcare services, promote sports development, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

A Vision for Health and Wellness in Namanga

The Mustard Seed Foundation is currently in discussions with well-wishers, local leaders, and development partners to bring this vision to life. The community health facility will provide essential medical services, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel long distances for treatment.

Benefits of the Community Health Facility 🏥

Improved Healthcare Access – Ensuring affordable and quality medical care for all.
Maternal and Child Health Services – Reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.
Emergency and Outpatient Services – Offering urgent care for minor and major health concerns.
Health Awareness and Outreach Programs – Educating residents on disease prevention and wellness.

A Modern Stadium for Youth Empowerment ⚽🏟️

In addition to healthcare, the project will focus on building a community stadium to support sports development in Namanga. The stadium will:
Promote Youth Talent – Providing a platform for young athletes to train and compete.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyles – Motivating the community to engage in sports and recreational activities.
Boost Local Economy – Attracting sports events, tourism, and business opportunities.
Enhance Social Cohesion – Bringing people together through sports and cultural events.

Project Progress and Future Plans

🔹 Ongoing Partner Engagement: Discussions are underway with potential donors, government agencies, and corporate sponsors.
🔹 Feasibility Studies: Land allocation and infrastructure planning are being assessed to ensure successful project implementation.
🔹 Community Involvement: Local leaders and residents will play a key role in shaping the project to meet their needs.
🔹 Planned Groundbreaking: Once partnerships and resources are secured, construction will officially begin.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

The Namanga Project is a groundbreaking initiative that will redefine healthcare and sports opportunities in the region. The Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation invites all well-wishers, partners, and community members to support this noble cause.

🌍 Together, we can build a healthier and more vibrant future for Namanga!

#NamangaProject #BetterHealthcare #SportsForChange 🏥⚽