May

GIC Expansion Project Enters Phase III with 99 New Schools

, “as we launch Phase III of the tree-planting competition, it is imperative for us as KenGen to continue working with all stakeholders to achieve the targeted 10% forest cover in Kenya’s Vision 2030”.

The GIC Expansion is a 10-year project funded by the partners at a cost of Ksh. 120 million and is an upscale of the successful Phase I pilot project that initially involved 81 schools within the counties of Embu and Machakos.

The project is designed as a challenge to participating schools, mainly due to the dry weather conditions in the areas. Prizes are awarded based on the highest survival rate of seedlings and use of innovation in growing the trees.

“Personal commitment to the project is crucial for the success of the project at any given school”, stressed Mike Njeru, Managing Trustee KenGen Foundation. “Our experience has shown that the inclusion of the schools’ administration in the GIC gives a school a higher chance of success as compared to when they are not involved”, he added.

The MD of Better Globe Forestry Jean-Paul Deprins noted the environmental challenges of the project area and wished the new entrant all the best in the competition. The company supports the Green Initiative Challenge expansion project through the provision of tree seedlings, monitoring and evaluation equipment, and capacity building activities.

Susan Maingi of Bamburi Cement Ltd. pledged that the company will continue in supporting the project, not only in tree-planting, but also in infrastructure development and the awarding of education scholarships. The cement manufacturer will also arrange environmental education trips and sessions for the best performing schools.

The schools Green Initiative Challenge expansion project targets to reach 140,000 school children by 2018, with the schools being used as channels to reach out to the wider community members and encourage tree planting and nurturing. So far, more than 90,000 seedlings have been planted in Phase II of the tree-planting competition.