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Category: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

  • Youth Decry Foul Play and Discrimination in Counties Devolved Functions

    Youth in Innovation initiatives in Nairobi County

    By Henry Owino

    Kenya is marking the tenth year of its devolution in place since 2013 when the first regime came into power. This was 3 years after promulgation of the Constitution 2010 thereby terminating the 1963 Constitution of centralized government.

    The County Governments are convening in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County to mark 10 years of devolution existence. The Council of Governors (CoG) are therefore holding the 8th Devolution Conference 2023 from 15th-19th August, 2023.

    The Council of Governors has successfully organized Seven Devolution Conferences across various thematic areas. This will be the First Biennial Devolution Conference after it was reviewed to have it held after every two years.

    While everybody admits that devolution has brought decision-making closer to the people, the young people are of different opinions. The argument is that they have been relegated and completely forgotten in counties activities and programs.

    Youth are up in arms complaining of discrimination regardless of their skills, knowledge and technical know-how. None want to listen to youth imperative efforts of advancing collective inclusion in county initiatives.

    The young people now want their voices be heard in this year’s Biennial Devolution Conference in Uasin Gishu County. They are sending representatives to meeting to echo their grievances which have fallen into deaf years for long.

    According to Mary Wanjiru, Coordinator Activista, many youth have tried to make devolution work for them through innovative skills but always get disappointed. A few are used to market the county programs then short changed when funds are available.

    Wanjiru urges the county government to include youth in devolution processes if they endeavor prosper just like a few have done. This is because other counties have realized young people are noble and pragmatic necessity for fostering resilient communities when in included decision-making.

    “Youth constitute significant portion of our population and are key stakeholders in the future development of our counties,” Wanjiru argued. Their active involvement ensures that policies and projects are relevant, responsive, and reflective of the needs of all citizens,” she affirmed.

    Wanjiru emphasized that Kenyans are aware that Constitution 2010 envisioned decentralized decision-making, resource allocation, and uniform development in every part of Kenya. True to the spirit, devolution has brought decision-making closer to the people and has proven, in some counties, the potential to address localized challenges effectively.

    However, for devolution to succeed in its objectives, it is imperative to include the perspectives and aspirations of young people. This is because youth are so creative and innovative and when their skills are tapped, it becomes catalyst of empowerment for county developments.

    Subsequently, Wanjiru cautions that approach must align with the broader goals of long term, sustainable development and economic growth. By so doing, it provides youth with tools to actively participate in shaping their communities.

    Victoria Adhiambo, Coordinator, Young Urban Women underscored the significance of nurturing the skills youth have to benefit counties. It is important to recognize the skills as indispensable expertise for their roles are not only for county developments but global progress as well.

    Adhiambo hinted that this year Devolution Conference’s Theme is; “10 years of Devolution: the Present and Future,” resonates deeply well with the potential and significance of the youth, who embody both the present and future of this great nation called Kenya.

    “The engagement and empowerment of our youth population are pivotal not only for the success of devolution initiatives but also for overall growth and sustainability of our communities,” Adhiambo stated.

    Majority of youth leadership during the meeting unanimously resolved that it is high time counties infuse youth in their initiatives. It is best way of elevating the young people’s banner of skills towards development.

    The leaders suggested that county governments can use their influential position to connect youth with agencies for partnership. It will help youth mold their destinies and actively contribute to regions’ growth.

    “Some of our recommendation here can be implemented comprehensively without further delay, fostering an environment wherein our youth will evolve from being passive beneficiaries to engaged architects of devolution,” anticipated Kevin Kiogora, Youth & Community leader for Good Governance and Climate Action champion.

    The other recommended initiatives listed by the young people include; Community engagement where workshops are organized, involving youth in town hall meetings, and youth-led forums that facilitate open dialogue between young people and local authorities. Such platforms would encourage youth to voice their opinions, propose ideas, and actively contribute to the decision-making processes of the county thus meaningful public participation.

    Entrepreneurial support through establishing mentorship, incubation, and support networks for young entrepreneurs. They said it will encourage innovation, job creation, and economic diversification at the grassroots level.

    Promote digital literacy among youth to enable them harness technology for personal and community development. Digital skills are essential for communication, accessing information, and participating in an increasingly digital world.

    Encourage skills training programs through collaboration with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and industry partners to design and implement skills training programs that equip young people with practical, market relevant skills.

    The youth however suggested that the programs should encompass a diverse range of fields, from technology and entrepreneurship to agriculture and healthcare.

    “We put emphasis on Green skills because it requires; knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society,” Kiogora explained. These skills will not only help in addressing the climate crisis but also in helping achieve SDGs,” he added.

    The youth who excel in various initiatives should be recognized and celebrated for their achievement and significant contribution to their communities as young individuals, team or organizations. Again, such youth achievements need to be encouraged by letting their representation in local councils, committees, and decision-making bodies in the counties or in national conferences.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Mamo Appears Before Senate Lands Committee

    The Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Mamo Boru Mamo on Thursday appeared before the senate committee on lands.

    Mr. Mamo Boru in his response on actions taken my NEMA to ensure sustained enforcement of law and regulations pertaining to sand harvesting in Machakos and Kitui a statement sought by Nominated Senator Hon. Tabitha Mutinda on the utilisationand use of sand in Kitui, affirmed to the Committee that, NEMA and County Government conduct regular inspections to minimize illegal sand harvesting.

    Mamo reported that the Authority has undertaken approximately 47 inspections in Machakos County and 35 inspections in Kitui County some of which have been on sand harvesting within the Counties.

    ‘’The Authority have been imposing punitive fines and penalties on offenders in law, restriction of sand harvesting and transportation working hours to daytime only (6am to 6pm) and promotion of construction of gabions and sand dams along the threatened river beds where sand harvesting is practiced sponsored by African Sand Foundation (NGO).’’ DG NEMA added.

    During the committee the Legislators recommend that the two Governors work hand in hand with National Environmental Management Authority, to ensure this menace of Sand harvesting is reduced in both Counties for the benefits of the residents and safe Environment.

    Director Mamo said that the reason as to why their is heavy harvest of sand is due to the government is on with the construction of affordable houses.

    Other Senators in attendance were, Vice Chair Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma, Sen. Beatrice Ogolla, Sen. Agnes Kavindu, Sen. William Cheptumo and Sen. Mariam Omar. Senator Tabitha Mutinda who sought the Statement and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua attended.

  • How technology is aiding some of Africa’s largest agricultural producers

    How technology is aiding some of Africa’s largest agricultural producers

    In the latest episode of Inside Africa, CNN International explores the future of agriculture and how agricultural technology – agritech – is supporting the industry.

     

    Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa establishes the importance of the agritech sector and the continent’s role in it, “We have the potential. Now we need to get to the stage where to say, ‘Let’s realise the potential.’ And I mean, if you think about it in a global space, there is generally an increasing interest in agricultural technology and also in the food sector at large, which means that capital could be available to unlock that potential.”

     

    With limited income and access to credit, machinery tends to be too expensive for small-scale farmers to buy. Folu Okunade is the co-founder and COO of Hello Tractor, a way for farmers in Kenya to rent existing equipment and use it more efficiently. He explains, “We have IOT [Internet of Things] enabled web and mobile platforms that connect farmers with mechanisation service providers or tractor owners. The tractor comes to them, does the work. They now don’t have to own a tractor outright because it doesn’t make sense for them to, if they just own a small piece of land, they’re never going to be able to pay back that tractor.”

     

    Farmer and tractor owner Nashon Ngetich speaks about why the service is useful for owners as well as renters, “I’m able to rent it out to my neighbouring farmers, move around with it around the country and I can make some small amount of money from it as well as pay for it, pay the operator. The opportunity with it is we can plan ourselves easily. When the season kicks in I can plan for it.”

     

    Looking to the future, Okunade hopes to expand beyond just tractors. He tells CNN, “Mechanisation is beyond just ploughing or land preparation, it goes to things like planting, or spreading fertiliser, or spraying, or planting, or harvesting. So, we really see this progression now that we have the customer, how do we move them to a highly engaged customer who’s doing three and more services with us per season.”

     

    Africa is the fastest growing continent and the UN estimates that the population of Sub-Saharan Africa will nearly double by 2050. Improving crop yields is key for feeding this future. Okunade says, “There’s a ton of potential. I don’t think anybody knows the ceiling when it comes to working with smallholder farmers and really solving this food security challenge. So, it’s the challenge that drives me, but it’s also knowing that there’s a huge potential out there.”

     

    Also in Kenya, Inside Africa sees how a mobile app for cow management is transforming milk production. Around 3.8 billion litres of milk are produced in Kenya every year, mostly by small farms. Peninah Wanja, Founder of DigiCow Africa describes where dairy farmers lose money, “One of the key challenges that faces the small holder dairy farmers is low milk production, where farmers get an average of 10 litres per cow per day. Against the potential of 30 litres per cow per day, the same cow. And this challenge is brought in by farmers not keeping records.”

     

    As well as keeping records on milk production, DigiCow can store information on vaccinations, deworming, and artificial insemination. The app sends automatic alerts when a cow is due treatment and can dispatch a vet as necessary. Dairy farmer Murimi Wamabi talks about how the app has helped, “My core business being breeding, they’ve really assisted me in breeding in the sense of keeping my records. And since I’m a busy guy, honestly, when you have somebody who can update, he tells you today, check on heat on this particular animal, this one is due on this date so you should dry it. So, all that information is actually at the tip of my finger.”

     

    DigiCow has already expanded to cover more than just cattle. Wanja says, “We started with a dairy farmer in mind. But out of demand from the farmers we have been able to expand to other value chains. And we are now working with sheep, goat, beef in crops, in potatoes, and also rice. In total, we are working with over 300,000 farmers.”

     

    In Côte d’Ivoire, drones are being used to aid agriculture and increase productivity. They allow farmers to remotely monitor crops and use sophisticated sensors to assess soil quality and detect crop disease. Co-founder of drone maker JooL International Joseph-Olivier Biley describes the company, “JooL was born out of a personal problem my family was having. We have this plantation three to four hours away and my father who is very busy didn’t have time to go there regularly. JooL was born to allow people like my father, agricultural investors, to be able to protect and grow their investments remotely while carrying out their day jobs.”

     

    Drone usage is increasing in Africa, particularly in the medical space, but many are imported from China for affordability and ease. Biley says JooL intends to keep making its own hardware locally, “We are only able to produce small quantities. We need to be able to find the means to expand our production line, by setting up a factory to be able to produce in larger quantities locally, to save costs, to create jobs and to be able to satisfy the whole continent.”

     

    Biley and his team have also set up an academy to train drone pilots. Lanciné Doumouya, Co-founder & VP at JooL Academy speaks about the project, “The academy allows us to train professionals in the agricultural field. To give them an added value in their field of agronomy, in their daily agronomic activity. And also people who have nothing to do with agriculture, who want to improve or learn the drone business and be able to create a source of income. So it’s really aimed at everybody.”

     

    Finally, the show visits Uganda where technology is aiding an urban development project.

     

    ‘Inside Africa’ airs on Sunday 30th July 2023 at 12:30 SAST on CNN International

     

  • The Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge Launched

    The Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge Launched

    The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has today launched the Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC), an environmental innovation fund that aims at developing action-oriented young individuals committed to the conservation of the environment.

    The finalists of this challenge will be awarded in two categories; the first category will see three young environment champions awarded a grant of between Ksh. 800,000 to Ksh. 1,500,000, while the second category will have six organizations awarded a grant of between 3,000,000 to Ksh. 5,000,000 each implementing their unique environment conservation-based ideas.

    YEIC is an environmental innovation fund established by KCDF through the generous gift of Mackenzie Scott to support innovative ideas and solutions that promote environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and community resilience. KCDF has partnered with the National Environment Trust Fund (NetFund) and Green Generation Initiative.

    In a ceremony that brought together, youth representatives, the private sector, environment champions, advocates and enthusiasts, the event highlighted the importance of conserving the environment as part of the efforts to mitigate the current global challenges like drought and climate change.

    Speaking during the event, the Chief Guest Mr. Samson Toniok, CEO – National Environment Trust Fund (NetFund) applauded the initiative as timely when the world today is faced by unprecedented environmental crisis including the global phenomena of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    “The effects of these global challenges remain stark realities in our day-to-day lives such as frequent droughts, rising waters, extreme weather and flash floods that continue to take the toll on Kenyans and their livelihoods. For this reason, I would like to applaud KCDF for this noble initiative and encourage you continue fostering partnerships for future and continued success of this challenge.” He said.

    On her part, the KCDF Executive Director highlighted the need to embrace and promote innovation in the development sector.

    “When you give organizations unrestricted funding, innovation comes about. People are able to take the money where it is most needed. One of the key innovations we came up with is YEIC, that challenges the youth and youth organizations to come up with environmental solutions that would advance livelihoods and education. The narrative in the community has been that if we are conserving the environment, livelihoods suffer, and our intention is to burst this myth.” Said Ms.Grace Maingi.

    Gordon Odundo, a Board Director at KCDF challenged the youth to take lead in conserving the environment.

    “The youth, this environment is your future, you need to protect it, look after it and participate in the good work of preserving it.” He said.

    Elizabeth Wathuti the Founder of Green Generation Initiative (GGI) said that the YEIC challenge was very timely as an empowering platform for the Kenyan youth who continue to face a stiff competition for resources against bigger organizations. Michael Waiyaki, C.EO and Founder Miti Alliance said that as a community we need to know the difference between tree planting and tree growing and embrace the latter which is more effective. Josephine Wawira, the Communications Lead,

    Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya insisted on the need to avoid using complex jargon on issues of environment and climate change and come down to the community’s level and communicate effective contextual strategies towards climate change mitigation.

    Ebenezer Amadi a Program Manager at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) said that the private sector continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for proper pro-environment policies and regulations in the country.

    This Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge is built on KCDF’s environment work that began in 2016 under the Wangari Maathai Scholarship Fund.

     

  • “We’re understaffed, give us budget to deliver our mandate” DG NEMA Mamo maintains

    “We’re understaffed, give us budget to deliver our mandate” DG NEMA Mamo maintains

    The national assembly committee on public petitions has been frequently holding public hearing across the Ukambani region has recommended suspension of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) director general Mamo Boru Mamo over failure to address River Athi pollution.

    The committee led by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai made the conclusion after visiting the polluted river downstream at Mwala, in public hearing exercise following a petition by residents through area legislator Vincent Musyoka.

    “We have seen the situation upstream from the polluters and now downstream to the consumers and our first recommendation as committee is that director general of NEMA has to be suspended immediately and his duties assigned to someone else with a capability of enforcing cleaning of the river so that our people stop dying of cancer everyday” said Mbai.

    Mbai observed that continuous pollution of the river will make the multi Billion Thwake Dam project meaningless.

    “Thwake Dam will become another dumpsite.” Hon. Mbai observed.

    The petitioner said that a comprehensive data collection to confirm number of cancer related deaths was long overdue. Musyoka reaffirmed that after the research the locals will attach the blame to the pollutant’s ‘demand’ financial compensation for loss of lives.

    The committee revealed that it had conducted chemical analysis of River Athi waters and revealed shocking results of contaminations with dangerous carcinogenic elements.

    “We have seen water that looks like that of a sewage, and this is what people rely on for domestic use. The Government must move swiftly to contain industrial pollution by factories upstream to save our people,” said Edith Nyenze, MP Kitui West.

    Mr. Mamo B. Mamo was appointed by the Board of Management as the Acting Director General in 2019 following the arraignment in court of the former DG where he was later confirmed as the DG.

    Mr Mamo has disputed claims of him being suspended to failure to control the pollution of River Athi.

    The DG has frequently cited the understaffed situation at NEMA the claims he has raised several times before the parliament committee and also the response authority. He has advised the authority to be given a budget to run it’s activities and run it’s mandate as stipulated in the constitution.

    “Ending pollution in river Athi requires a concerted effort involving all stakeholders working together; one entity cannot achieve it alone because of the various factors involved,” he said.

  • Private sectors told to prioritize in Urban Insect Farming For Sustainable Waste Management

    The use of black soldier flies in urban insect farming for sustainable waste management has gained attention as an innovative solution. The private sector has been encouraged to invest in this approach, recognizing its potential to effectively process organic waste and minimize its environmental impact.

    The private sector’s involvement and investment in urban insect farming can accelerate the adoption of sustainable waste management practices, contribute to a circular economy, and address the growing challenge of organic waste. By harnessing the natural abilities of insects, particularly black soldier flies, the private sector can play a crucial role in promoting environmentally friendly solutions and driving positive change in waste management systems.

    Black soldier flies, scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, have a remarkable ability to consume organic waste rapidly. During their larval stage, they efficiently convert various organic materials into protein-rich biomass. This biomass, commonly referred to as “frass,” holds significant value for applications such as animal feed, biofuel production, and organic fertilizers.

    Dr. Ayub Macharia, the Director of Environmental Education Awareness at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement during The World Circular Economy Forum 2023 Kenya Studio hosted by the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) in Nairobi. He encouraged the private sector to explore the lucrative investment opportunity presented by farming insects, particularly using black soldier flies, as it allows for the effective utilization of readily available organic waste. Macharia also highlighted the benefits of organic fertilizer, which contains nutrients that are beneficial for soil health and not harmful to the environment.

    While researchers have presented their findings on the use of black soldier flies for organic waste mitigation, it appears that the uptake of urban insect farming using this approach has been limited. However, the potential for reducing waste volumes, diverting organic waste from landfills, and creating value-added products through this method has been widely recognized.

    The statements made by Dr. Ayub Macharia, Lara Maritano, and Festus Ngeno highlight the importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices and the potential benefits of using black soldier flies in urban insect farming. Kenya, in particular, faces significant waste management challenges, with an estimated 22,000 tons of waste generated per day.

    The linear waste management approach, which involves mixing all waste and sending it to dumpsites, contributes to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and the release of methane as products decompose. To address these challenges, alternative solutions are needed.

    The use of black soldier flies presents a promising opportunity for sustainable waste management. Nairobi alone generates over 2,000 tons of organic waste daily, which, if harnessed using black soldier flies, could create employment opportunities and produce valuable resources. The conversion of organic waste into protein for animal feed and the production of organic fair-trade products are among the potential benefits.

    The African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) plays a crucial role in promoting circular economy principles and organizing events like the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) Studios. The WCEF2023 Kenya Studio aimed to make the forum’s knowledge and materials accessible to more African communities and showcased sustainable products from local entrepreneurs.

    Zablon Wekesa, the ACEN Country Representative for Kenya, emphasized the importance of supporting the East African community with knowledge and financial resources to accelerate waste reduction and management efforts.

    Overall, the messages conveyed by these individuals underscore the urgency of adopting sustainable waste management practices and the potential of insect farming, particularly using black soldier flies, as a viable solution to mitigate the environmental impact of organic waste.

  • Kenya should immediately adopt an integrated water resource management (IWRM) model to avoid sliding into a water supply crisis by 2030, an expert has advised

    Kenya should immediately adopt an integrated water resource management (IWRM) model to avoid sliding into a water supply crisis by 2030, an expert has advised

    By OMBOKI MONAYO
    omboki2725@gmail.com

    According to Egerton University researcher and water management expert Prof Japheth Onyando, IWRM integrates the management of social and natural systems, water quality, and coordination with other natural resources including the land, atmosphere, and biosphere.

    “IWRM must always prioritize water use through a holistic and cross-cutting approach. In this model, we seek to efficiently manage water in totality and not just focus on safe water for drinking,” he says.

    The East African nation has recently experienced heavy rains that have caused flooding and destruction of residences and property in places like Kano in Kisumu County and South Mugirango in Kisii County.

    Despite the downpours that have been recorded countrywide, reliable safe water supply for Kenyans however remains a mirage.

    (Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) chief executive Malesi Shivaji.
    (Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) chief executive Malesi Shivaji.

    According to Dr. Malesi Shivaji who heads the Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET), the country has a water supply shortfall of at least 600 cubic meters per capita.

    “Kenya is least endowed in water supply terms, with a 400 cubic meters per capita availability, against the UN recommended availability of 1000 cubic meters per capita,” says Dr. Shivaji.

    Prof Onyando said the country’s endowment or water supply status was first estimated along with the country’s population during the construction of the Uganda Railway in 1896.

    “Our endowment was first estimated in 1896 when the Uganda Railway construction was begun,” said Prof Onyando.

    “Kenya’s endowment at the time was 20bn cubic meters, which works out to 8,000 cubic meters per capita,” the scientist added.

    Since then, this endowment level has significantly reduced due to population growth.

    “According to globally accepted standards, any endowment less than 1,000 cubic meters is classified as water stressed. Kenya is currently classified as a chronic water-stressed country, with an endowment of approximately 490 cubic meters per capita,” he said.

    Data collected and analyzed by an Egerton University study in shows that the situation is projected to worsen in the coming years.

    “By 2030, the country’s endowment will be at 393 cubic meters per capita. By 2050 it will be just 293 cubic meters per capita,” Prof Onyando revealed.

    “Kenya’s demand ratio will increase and surpass availability. There will be a very big difference between what we have versus what we need,” he told sasanews.co.ke

    Egerton University water resources management expert Prof Japheth Onyando.
    Egerton University water resources management expert Prof Japheth Onyando.

    The statistics indicate that Nairobi County, which is currently home to 4,397,0734m residents as per the 2019 National Census, will not fare any better in the projected endowment levels.

    Nairobi, which gets most of its water supply from the Athi River catchment area, will be at a demand ratio of 80 by 2030 and decline to 70 by 2050.

    To save the city from water supply woes, the academic recommends that it seeks the assistance of Tana River County.

    “Tana River will have to supply Nairobi with water by 2030 to overcome the shortfall,” says Prof Onyando.

    Management challenges have been identified as a major obstacle to the seamless administration of the country’s water resources.

    Dr. Shivaji says the country’s water sector continues to suffer from inefficiency in service delivery due to a bloated management structure, with some 18 statutory bodies mandated to carry out different functions. This sad state of affairs has led to a confused and uncoordinated administration of its affairs.

    “The bloated structure has given rise to several inefficiencies in the water sector, including the duplication of some functions and contradictory terms of reference for others,” says the scientist who heads the think tank.

    On his part, Prof. Onyando said many Kenyans continue to ail from what he termed ‘water blindness’.

    “Many of us suffer from water blindness and related wasteful use of available water. This comes from the mistaken notion that there is plenty of water all around us yet we are currently classified as a water-stressed nation,” said Prof. Onyando.

    He says rainwater harvesting should be encouraged in the city and other parts of the country.

    “As a country, we should manage the water catchment areas so that we have more groundwater and surface water stored using dams. Water harvesting should not be dismissed as a poor person’s pastime but should be nationally embraced to significantly reduce shortages during the dry seasons,” said the academic.

     

    The academic is urging the implementation of urgent remedial measures to conserve the environment and arrest the dwindling water supply.

    “We can safeguard our diminishing water supply status by protecting water catchment areas to store more water, reducing the soil loss from construction activities from 600 tons of soil per hectare per year to 11 tons per hectare, and boosting the national forest cover from 7.4 percent to the UN recommended 10 percent,” the expert recommends.

  • ‘No rest’ Approach Towards 30% National Tree cover

    ‘No rest’ Approach Towards 30% National Tree cover

    As much as Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan Economy, all citizens need to create an environment that favours it to improve food security. One way of doing that is by growing trees to ensure sufficient rainfall, cooled environment and shading in dry areas reducing water loss by crops.

    The entire tree growing process starts at the tree nursery where seeds are sowed to produce seedlings. Tree nurseries require intense labor for proper seedlings growth.

    Dedan Kimathi Foundation continues to commit diligently to the fight against climate change. The Foundation team of environment conservation volunteers continues to tend tree seedlings at the Foundation Central tree nursery in Kinangop; Nyandarua County.

    “We must support the government in averting climate change negative effects. We are growing close to 1 million tree seedlings in our tree nurseries meant for donations to public institution,” said Ms. Evelyn Kimathi ;Dedan Kimathi Foundation CEO in a previous interview.

  • Pursuing 30% National Tree cover by the year 2032

    Pursuing 30% National Tree cover by the year 2032

    In the partial experience of the negative effects of climate change, mass tree growing is being heavily campaigned for by the current government. Trees play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by absorbing and storing carbon and using it in photosynthesis.

    Kenya Forest Service leads in tree growing as the national producer of high-quality tree seedlings.

    On Friday 19th May 2023, KFS conducted a plantation establishment tree planting activity in Mikaro beat of Geta Forest Station in Nyandarua County. In the activity that was heavily attended by Geta Forest CFA, 8000 tree seedlings were planted.

    The CFA urged Kenyans to support the president towards the actualization of the 30% tree cover by planting and taking care of trees as the rains continue to pour heavily.

    In its commitment to support KFS in tree planting and growing activities, Dedan Kimathi Foundation was represented by our communication team leader Dennis Mwangi; who offered free photography

  • Kimathi Foundation tree planting at Mariakani at Garrison with Kenya defense forces

    Kimathi Foundation tree planting at Mariakani at Garrison with Kenya defense forces

    On Friday 28th April 2023,Dedan Kimathi Foundation (DKF) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) started an environmental conservation journey towards Mariakani Garisson Forestation. The Foundation committed to donate the required 100,000 tree seedlings from private nurseries attached to the Foundation and through other partners. The Foundation delivered 55,000 tree seedlings on the day the planting was launched and engaged in the planting. Kenya Forest Service donated 5,000 tree seedlings from Gede Forest Station to boost the work.

    Today, 3rd May 2023,Dedan Kimathi Foundation environment conservation team together with the Foundation CEO ;Ms. Evelyn W. Kimathi joined the KDF for the continuation of the tree planting at the site that hosts Mariakani Garisson 77 Artillery Battalion. The Foundation delivered the second batch of 30,000 trees seedlings donation bringing the total donation to 90,000 tree seedlings.

    Ms. Evelyn Kimathi beseeched the soldiers to ensure the trees planted survive to benefit mankind. In her remarks, she urged the soldiers to be active change makers in the fight against climate change by growing more trees to mitigate the negative climate change effects. She mentioned the increase of carbon in the air as a major problem that requires more trees to absorb and store it to reduce global warming.

    Standing in for Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Onyancha, Major Ndirangu of Kenya Navy Fleet Formation appreciated Dedan Kimathi Foundation for the dedication to support the initiative with the required tree seedlings and availing the Green Army team of Volunteers to plant the trees with the soldiers. He further assured the team that the trees would be well tended to set a good example to other KDF camps.

    Dedan Kimathi Foundation commits to remain dedicated to serving humanity through tree growing campaigns, partnerships, collaborations and climate change sensitization aimed at supporting the government to grow the 15 billion trees and reach 30% tree cover by 2032.