KenGen scooped First Position in the Best Corporate Category (State Agency) to emerge the overall winner in recognition of its exceptional performance during the Kenya Forest Service inaugural Tree Growing and Forest Conservation award ceremony on 26 June. H.E. First Lady Margaret Kenyatta graced this premier event, geared towards creating awareness among Kenyans on the significance of continually participating in tree growing and forest conservation.

KenGen’s Environmental Officer, Amos Mbutu received the award which recognises KenGen’s dedication and commitment in reforestation.

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Also present at the event were Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof. Judy Wakhungu, Principal Secretary, State Department of Natural Resources Dr. Margaret Mwakima, Hon. Amina Abdalla, Chair, Environmental Committee in Parliament, Kenya Forest Service Board led by the Chairman, Peter Kinyua, Chief Conservator of Forests, Emilio Mugo and CEO’s of State Corporations including our Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Albert Mugo.

On arrival, the First Lady planted a ceremonial tree, signed the Visitors’ Book and viewed exhibitions before proceeding to the VIP Dais. Entertainment by KFS Choir hyped the event. A ‘shairi’ by Karura Primary School pupils had all applauding when they made the statement, “Asante sana Shangazi Maggie”.

In her speech, the First Lady said that positive solutions would only happen if vulnerable people have access to natural resources. CS, Prof. Judi Wakhungu noted that the forest cover had risen from 6.9% in 2010 to 7.4% and is expected to cover an additional 10% before 2030.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Emilio Mugo said there was need to increase sensitization to public for active participation to inculcate a culture of tree growing by all. He felt there was need for assistance in establishing partners keen on supporting the awards programme to raise the bar for KFS so this can be an annual event in their calendar.

 

KenGen’s recognition in tree growing and forest conservation comes as a result of a call sent out to 47 counties for participation where 514 members responded. After evaluation, 59 were shortlisted as awardees.

As a company, KenGen has been involved in tree planting through its flagship environment program, the Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge (GIC) since 2013. The pilot project saw an initial 81 schools in the semi-arid counties of Embu, Machakos plant the fast growing and drought resistant mukau and muveshi tree species in 0.5 acre woodlots.

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An additional 218 schools are currently involved in the GIC after the KenGen Foundation partnered with Better Globe Forestry and Bamburi Cement Ltd. in in 2015 an M.O.U. to green more than 460 acres in the semi-arid counties of Embu, Machakos, and Kitui with a total of 324,300 tree seedlings as well as 113,956 fruit trees within a span of 10 years. A total of 919 schools have been earmarked to join the GIC.

The GIC is designed as a challenge to participating schools, mainly due to the dry weather conditions in the areas, with prizes awarded based on the highest survival rate of seedlings and use of innovation.

Additionally, KenGen and Better Globe Forestry are setting up an in-vitro laboratory for mukau and muveshi tree species near Kamburu Power Station. The facility will enable scientific propagation of thousands of Mukau seedlings which will be distributed to farmers in ASAL areas for agro-foresty and forestry plantations.

The Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge is set to expand to Nakuru, Mombasa and Kisumu counties.

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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer