Foundation Advances Seedling Expansion Strategy Through Trees For Kenya Benchmarking Tour
KenGen Foundation conducted a benchmarking tour with Trees For Kenya on 12 September to explore collaborative opportunities rooted in shared conservation values. The visit, held at the NGO’s headquarters in Embu County, centered on mass seedling propagation techniques and community-driven reforestation models that could inform the Foundation’s nursery expansion plans at the Gitaru Power Station.
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC, KenGen Foundation is committed to delivering impactful Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives that address community needs while advancing the company’s sustainability agenda. This benchmarking exercise reflects KenGen’s strategic approach to environmental stewardship, particularly in regions surrounding its power generation infrastructure.
Obed Kariuki, Senior Principal Technician in KenGen’s Sustainability Development Division, emphasized the technical value of the engagement. “This collaboration allows us to refine our propagation processes and scale up our conservation efforts with proven methodologies,” he noted.
The Foundation aims to significantly boost seedling production at Gitaru, supporting reforestation and greening projects across multiple counties. Trees For Kenya has already planted over 8.2 million trees and trained thousands of farmers in sustainable land management. KenGen’s initiative is poised to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s national target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
Following the nursery visit, the team toured SA Gikuuri Primary Schoolwhere Trees For Kenya is running a vibrant tree-planting initiative that engages students in environmental education and action. The delegation also visited a local farmer who is reaping the benefits of the NGO’s conservation programme through improved agroforestry practices and sustainable land use.
Reflecting on the visit, Principal Fundraising Officer Ambrose Njagi highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. “This partnership is not only about expanding our nursery capacity—it’s about cultivating resilient landscapes and fostering community ownership in conservation,” he said. “By investing in ecological restoration, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development and long-term impact.”
The highlight of the trip was an inspiring engagement with a local women’s group dedicated to conserving Mt. Kenya. Their grassroots efforts in seedling care, forest restoration, and community mobilization underscored the vital role of women in driving climate resilience and ecological regeneration.
