6,000 Trees To Be Planted In Kiambu County Schools

Java House, in partnership with organizations such as Tukalime, Munzer Kenya, and Food for Education, has unveiled a plan to plant 6,000 trees across 14 schools in Kiambu County in two days, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

This initiative, dubbed ‘Trees For Tomorrow,’ was launched with a tree-planting event at Manguo Primary School, Limuru, and aligns with the national reforestation goal of planting and nurturing 15 billion trees by 2032.

Speaking at the tree-planting event in Limuru, Priscilla Gathungu, CEO of Java House, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing environmental sustainability through various initiatives. “We are very conscious of the impact that the combined challenges of deforestation, global warming, and climate change have on communities. By working with schools, we aim to transform hearts and minds early, ensuring that Kenya’s future leaders will understand the importance of and continue to prioritize tree planting,” stated Ms. Gathungu.

This tree-planting effort complements Java House’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, including a partnership with Munzer Kenya to convert used cooking oil from its restaurants into biodiesel. In 2024, this collaboration alone resulted in the reduction of 148 tonnes of carbon emissions, showcasing Java House’s commitment to making a positive environmental impact.

On her part, Purity Simiyu, Commercial and Country Manager, Munzer Kenya, said: “Tree-planting adds a crucial dimension to our environmental sustainability goals. While we have made significant strides through the conversion of used cooking oil to biodiesel, enhancing green cover is equally vital. Trees foster biodiversity, recapture carbon, and improve air quality. This initiative aligns perfectly with our goal to create a healthier environment for future generations.”

Speaking at the same event, Kevin Kamau, Managing Director, Tukalime, underscored the importance of trees in supporting good agricultural outcomes, calling for communities to plant more trees, especially in places near farmland.

“Trees play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity by improving soil health, conserving water, and providing a shade for crops. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage community members to embrace tree planting as a vital part of sustainable farming practices and be part of the drive to increase the country’s forest cover,” said Mr. Kamau.

Lyndah Ronoh, Customer Experience and Technical Operations Manager, Food For Education, said: “It is vital for us to grow the trees that will sustain life for the future that we as Food For Education are feeding. The impact is even greater when we integrate such initiatives into the schools that we already support, reinforcing sustainability across in both social and environmental dimensions.”

The African Union’s African Forest Landscapes Restoration Initiative is an ambitious endeavor aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of forest across the continent. In Kenya, the National Bureau of Statistics reports that the country’s forest cover stands at 8.83%. To enhance this coverage, Kenya has set an ambitious goal to plant at least 1.5 billion trees annually until 2032. This initiative is driven by collaborative efforts that unite both the public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and restoration for future generations.

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