KenGen Foundation’s flagship environment program, the Schools Green Initiative Challenge, was the surprise winner during this year’s KenGen Good 2 Great Energy and Innovation Seminar held at Pride Inn, Mombasa on June 18 – 22. The school based tree-planting competition managed to beat both KenGen, and other international participants in the 6th edition of the global conference, whose theme was “Fostering Partnerships for Infrastructure and Industrialization”, to emerge top in the exhibition category.

Led by the Acting Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha, the Foundation’s team comprising of Cathy Kwena, Senior Fundraising Officer; Ernest Nyamasyo, Communications Officer; Dorcas Arama, Accounts Officer; and Amos Mbutu, KenGen’s Chief Environmental Officer, proudly graced the stage to receive the prize even as they unbelievingly congratulated one another.

The Foundation was invited to this year’s G2G seminar following the submission of a paper co-authored by Anthony and Amos titled “Engaging Schools in Improving Forest Cover and Environmental Conservation”. The paper, which addressed the unique partnership between KenGen Foundation, KenGen, Bamburi Cement Ltd., and Better Globe Forestry in the 10-year GIC afforestation project, qualified to be showcased in the exhibition section of the annual G2G conference.

Acting Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha said that he was humbled when the GIC was announced as the winner of the first prize in the highly competitive exhibitions category.

“I am very humbled to see the Foundation scooping the first prize ahead of many other organisations. This award is a clear testimony that the Foundation is bringing innovative and practical solutions in line with the company’s business strategy. I have no doubt this prestigious prize is going to motivate us to continue working hard,” he said.

Comprising of a summary presentation of the project’s impacts and achievements since inception, the GIC exhibition also included three seedlings of Senna siamea, Melia volkensii, and Terminalia brownii, the trees of choice for the project; and a 6-minute video clip incorporating early and current media footage and images. The first few visitors to the exhibition were lucky enough to walk away with giveaway branded caps and informational brochures.

KenGen’s Chief Environment Officer Amos Mbutu paid tribute to the GIC Technical and Steering Committees for the support, motivation and guidance, which resulted in the successful implementation of the GIC in the schools within the project areas.

“It is the support of our extended team which is making all the difference. This award is a true reflection of what the GIC partnership is doing within communities and I am very proud of this achievement,” added Amos.

Apart from addressing global climate change mitigation, the GIC exhibition also highlighted how the project has created environment awareness to over 12,000 students in more than 400 participating schools; enhanced catchment conservation within hydro dams buffer areas; demonstrated the strength of corporate partnerships in enhancing conservation; and strengthened KenGen’s image as a leader in responsible corporate citizenship.

Starting with an initial 81 schools in 2013, the GIC aims to green over 500 acres within schools in the semi-arid counties of Embu, Kitui, and Machakos. Currently in Phase IV, the project has also incorporated ‘Green Teachers’ – schools environmental patrons; capacity building sessions for the green teachers and head masters; monitoring and evaluation exercises; and exciting prizes for the top three winning schools.

Recently, the winners of Phase II of the competition, Thua Primary School – Kitui, were treated to a 3-day educational tour in Mombasa, inclusive of a visit to Bamburi Cement Ltd.’s Haller Park and the iconic historical site Fort Jesus. One student from Thua is also set to get full secondary scholarship, with the school getting a facelift of Sh1.5 million, with other benefits including a certificate of excellence, cash prizes and a shopping voucher for the green teacher, and school’s head teacher.

The afforestation project, which is a success in 7-Forks, is set to expand to other areas including Western Hydros, Turkana, Olkaria, and Mombasa over the next few months. Interestingly, the Foundation staff are also part of the GIC Technical and Steering Committees, charged with designing and implementing the project’s objectives.

Congratulations GIC team, kudos!!

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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer