Foundation’s Enoosopukia Project Takes Shape
A cold mist hangs heavy in the air, clinging to the few remaining wisps of greenery struggling to survive on the barren yet lush landscape. Once a vibrant tapestry of trees, Enoosopukia Forest in Narok County now bears the scars of human encroachment. The thriving canopy that once sheltered this environment is a distant memory, replaced by a stark expanse of exposed grass, a testament to years of unsustainable logging practices.
But amidst the seeming desolation, a flicker of hope emerges. With 1,075 square meters of fencing recently put up by the KenGen Foundation for afforestation, the future seems bright against the encroaching bareness. This seemingly simple act of securing the area is the first critical step in the Enoosopukia Adopt-A-Forest project, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the KenGen Foundation in partnership with the Narok County Government and KenGen PLC.
Fencing an afforestation project area is akin to safeguarding a fragile newborn. It protects the young saplings from grazing animals, both livestock and other wildlife, that could trample or devour them before they have a chance to establish themselves. It also deters would be loggers and firewood collectors, ensuring the fruits of the reforestation efforts reach maturity. In essence, the fence creates a safe haven, a sanctuary where Enoosopukia can begin to heal.
The Enoosopukia Adopt-A-Forest project goes beyond simply planting trees. It’s a multifaceted approach to not only restore the degraded forest but also address the root causes of deforestation. The project aims to empower local communities by creating sustainable livelihoods based on forest-friendly enterprises. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, turning community members from bystanders into active stewards of their environment. Furthermore, the project seeks to harness the power of carbon financing, a market-based mechanism that incentivizes the conservation of forests for their role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
“The Enoosopukia Adopt-A-Forest project directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action,” says Anthony Igecha, Managing Trustee of the KenGen Foundation. “By restoring this critical ecosystem, we’re not just planting trees, we’re investing in the future. A healthy Enoosopukia Forest ensures clean water supplies, mitigates climate change, and fosters sustainable development for generations to come.”
KenGen PLC, Kenya’s leading electricity generation company with a strong focus on geothermal power, recognizes the intrinsic link between a healthy environment and sustainable energy production. The KenGen Foundation, its corporate social responsibility arm, plays a vital role in achieving this vision. By supporting projects like Enoosopukia Adopt-A-Forest, the Foundation goes beyond supporting power generation to nurturing the very ecosystems that sustain KenGen PLC’s operations.
