KenGen Conducts Verification of Enoosopukia Forest Pilot Project
In a recent collaborative venture aimed at ecological restoration, the Enoosopukia Adopt-A-Forest project marked a significant milestone. Spearheaded by KenGen Foundation, KenGen PLC, and the Narok County Government, this ambitious initiative aims to rejuvenate a crucial part of the expansive Mau Forest Complex by growing trees across a 50-hectare area.
A joint verification conducted on August 27, 2024, by teams from KenGen and the project contractor revealed promising yet challenging results. A quick count revealed 12,855 holes dug and planted with seedlings, though many saplings, particularly Bamboo, Dombeya, Prunus, and Cedar species, exhibited signs of severe shock. Despite shedding leaves, 80% of the seedlings remained viable, showcasing the resilience fundamental to the success of afforestation projects.
Tree growing endeavors often face initial hurdles, including environmental stresses on newly planted saplings. However, past successes in such projects indicate that with persistence and proper oversight, these projects eventually succeed.. Afforestation is a long-term commitment, involving meticulous planning, continuous monitoring, and community engagement. The resilience observed in Enoosopukia’s saplings mirrors these success stories, reinforcing that patient stewardship can lead to significant environmental gains.
The Enoosopukia Adopt-A-Forest project is designed not only to reforest the region but also to address broader ecological and community goals. The initiative involves restoring a 50-hectare block with 50,000 indigenous seedlings, enhancing governance of the Narok East ecosystem, and combating deforestation drivers. The project aims to uplift local communities through nature-based enterprises, creating sustainable livelihoods and promoting environmental stewardship.During the verification, it was noted that wildlife and livestock had not interfered with the planted areas, although approximately 20% of the saplings had dried up and required replanting. This observation underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to ensure the project’s success.
The verification team, comprising Sheila Wanjala, Irene Nevanda, Enock Chepkeres, Elishobah Msengeti, and Ernest Nyamasyo, remains optimistic about the project’s trajectory. Ms. Charity Wanjohi, an Environment Officer at KenGen PLC, highlighted the significance of the joint verification exercise. “This process is crucial for assessing our progress and making necessary adjustments,” she said. “It aligns with KenGen PLC’s environmental plan reinforcing our commitment to mitigating climate change through proactive environmental management.”
KenGen PLC’s sustainability agenda is pivotal in its operations, focusing on renewable energy generation and environmental conservation. The KenGen Foundation plays a vital role in this agenda, supporting projects that promote ecological balance and community welfare. The Foundation’s efforts in Enoosopukia are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Kenya’s natural resources are preserved and utilized sustainably, contributing to the country’s renewable energy sector. KenGen’s geothermal power plants, which generate a substantial portion of Kenya’s electricity, depend on the health of water catchment areas like Enoosopukia, further emphasizing the importance of this conservation project.
