In a powerful demonstration of collective action in environmental conservationt the KenGen Foundation led a tree-planting initiative in the heart of Ngong Forest, Upper Matasia on 27 October marking a significant step toward safeguarding the environment and combating climate change. The event brought together the KenGen Foundation and members of the KenGen Employee Giver Initiative, as well as representatives from prominent corporate organizations including the Kenya Roads Board, Kenya Prison, the Ministry of Environment, the NTSA, the Kenya Youth in Forestry, and university students.

The event was particularly significant as KenGen PLC volunteers under the company’s Employee Giver Initiative earlier fenced the 2.3 hectares site. A total of 1,000 trees were planted, with an additional 3,000 trees slated for planting in the coming days as the country prepares for the short rains. The project exemplifies the power of collective action in environmental conservation and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals notably SDG 13 on Climate Change and SDG 17 on Partnership).

Ms. Elizabeth Njenga, KenGen PLC General Manager Business Development and Strategy, Representing KenGen PLC M.D. and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga, highlighted the significance of this initiative within KenGen PLC’s overall Sustainability Agenda. She emphasized, “Sustainability is at the core of our business strategy, and we understand the critical role we play in preserving the environment for future generations. Our commitment to sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility; it is a moral imperative. This tree-planting event is just one of many steps we are taking to ensure that our operations and projects align with the principles of sustainable development.”

Mr. Anthony Igecha, Managing Trustee of KenGen Foundation, highlighted the numerous benefits of the collective effort, stating, “The benefits and outcomes of our collective efforts are numerous. By contributing to the conservation and restoration of Ngong Forest, we enhance our reputations as environmentally responsible corporations, which is vital for our long-term sustainability. The most significant outcome, however, is the long-term environmental impact we can create. Our collaborative conservation efforts will not only preserve Ngong Forest’s biodiversity and ecosystem services but also help mitigate the effects of climate change.”

Notably, Ms. Josephine Koisaba, a member of the KenGen PLC Board and a KenGen Foundation Trustee, graced the event with her presence, further highlighting the importance of this environmental endeavor in her remarks.

The restoration of Ngong Forest is not just a tree-planting event; it is a testament to the commitment of corporate entities to make a positive impact on the environment and future generations. It showcases how organizations can unite for a shared cause, protect invaluable ecosystems, and contribute to a more sustainable world. This collaborative effort will leave a lasting legacy of environmental protection, demonstrating the transformative power of partnership and collective action.

The Employee Giver Initiative is a unique program for KenGen staff to be directly involved in the company’s CSI activities. Subscribers contribute through monetary donations, their time, and skills towards the Foundation’s three pillars of sustainability namely Education, Environment, Water and Sanitation.

As the trees take root and Ngong Forest flourishes once more, this initiative sets an inspiring example for all, reminding us of the vital role we each play in preserving the environment for future generations. It serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change and an enduring testament to the power of partnership in making a difference.

KenGen Foundation, KenGen PLC, Rotary Clubs of Kenya, Kenya Forest Service, AAR Healthcare and other partners embarked on an ambitious reforestation exercise that saw the planting of 3,200 tree seedlings at Eburru Forest Block in Naivasha 21 May.

The project dubbed Adopt-A-Forest Initiativeaims at restoring Kenya’s main water catchment areas in the next five years. It is a broad framework under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry that encourages service organizations such as Rotary International and partners to participate in reforestation, protection and conservation of the environment.

Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s Managing Trustee, Mr. Anthony Igecha lauded the participants saying, “KenGen Foundation remains committed to working with the communities and like-minded organizations through such collaborations to jointly reverse the climate change effects in Kenya.”

KenGen as a company is committed to environmental conservation and invested substantial resources to sustainably safeguard the environment it shares with other communities at around its areas of operations and the country at large.

The overall objective of the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative is to identify sequential portions of catchment areas and bring on board diverse partners to plant trees in two phases per year (during the short and long rains).

The project targets to rehabilitate a total of 10 ha for in two years with a projection of 80 ha, and community planting and adoption of 110,000 seedlings by 2030.

AAR Healthcare continued its engagement with the KenGen Foundation in environmental conservation through its Trees 4 Health (T4H) program having donated 500 seedlings to the exercise.

Speaking at the event, the 7 Rotary clubs’ point person & President of the Rotary Club of Gachie, Gary Ananda, expressed that “We need to forget about tree planting and focus on tree growing. As Rotary we aim to see 100% growth rate as we embark on this project”.

Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends and problem solvers,  see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in their communities and in themselves.

The Eburru Forest is a unique habitat of exceptional indigenous mountainous forest, water catchment and forms part of the Mau Forest Complex. It is a precious resource that provides invaluable benefits to local community, wildlife and drives local economy. The catchment is significant in the sustenance of hydrological cycle that also supports the rich geothermal potential of the area. KenGen has one geothermal generation unit at Eburru with installed capacity of 2.4 MW.

Over the years, KenGen has positively impacted lives of individuals and communities, especially those living near its installations. Through the KenGen Foundation, the company, which is the leading electricity generating company invests in communities living around its operational areas through long-term sustainable development projects.

The Company’s social investments are aligned towards climate change mitigation, poverty alleviation, social entrepreneurship, and the provision of education opportunities. KenGen reaffirms its commitment to the continued production of sustainable energy and welfare of the general public.

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Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

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KenGen Foundation donated 1,200 tree seedlings as part of the activities for the 7^th and Final Devolution Conference 2021 for a tree planting exercise held concurrently at Kwanzambu Dam in Machakos County, and Entarara Forest in Kajiado County on 30th April 2021.

The event at Kwanzambu Dam was hosted by H.E the Governor of Machakos County Dr. Alfred Mutua, with the Kericho County Governor Prof. Paul Chepkwony as the Guest of Honor. The Managing Trustee Mr. Anthony Igecha and Ernest Nyamasyo represented the Foundation.

The 7^th Annual Devolution Conference will focus on Climate Action, in particular, the impact and the role of sub-national Governments in Climate Action. The conference’s theme is “Multi – level governance for climate action”.

The focus on climate action has been necessitated by the adverse impact of climate change in socio-economic development in Kenya. This has resulted in poor living conditions in some areas, occurrence of floods, drought, unregulated release of industrial wastes and increased burden in health.

National and County Governments have a responsibility in ensuring that the Country this issues are dealt with and that the population is food secure, there is use of natural resources sustainably, provision of affordable and quality healthcare, job opportunities are created and sustainable waste management employed both by government and private sector.

At Entarara Forest, the Guest of Honor was H.E the Governor, Nyandarua County Hon. Francis Kimemia, with the host being the His Excellency Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku, Governor of Kajiado County.

KenGen as a company is committed to environmental conservation and has put substantial resources to sustainably safeguard the environment it shares with other communities at around areas of operations and the country at large.

In his speech, Mr. Igecha reiterated the Foundation’s dedication to inclusive sustainable environmental conservation through its community projects, and encouraged partnerships in safeguarding our God-given environment.

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Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

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About 70 households from Nyakach and Homabay counties were the beneficiaries of water tanks donated by the KenGen Employee Giver Initiative as part of KenGen Foundation’s Corporate Social Investment from 22 – 24 December 2020.

KenGen’s Western Region Manager Eng. Alfred Abiero kicked off the exercise by handing over the timely Christmas gifts to the first five households. The 1,000-liter tanks will go a long way in assisting the families with water storage and minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Speaking during the exercise, Eng. Abiero, a passionate Giver himself, thanked the Givers and encouraged them to make the activity an annual event. “I want to appreciate this exercise that will really improve the lives of the community especially this time of the year. I urge you to make this an annual event”, said Abiero calling upon the initiative members to continue in charitable activities in their own capacity.

The donation is a part of the KenGen PLC’s objective in addressing water and sanitation challenges faced by communities neighboring its power stations. KenGen Foundation complements the company’s efforts in contributing to the general health and welfare of targeted communities through the distribution of water tanks and water harvesting equipment.

While receiving the tanks, the beneficiaries appreciated the donations and the positive impacts anticipated especially during the dry season.  According to the residents, the donation came at a time when community needed them the most.

The devastating effects of the corona virus pandemic cannot be understated. Access to clean water is one of the most effective prevention measures curbing the spread and lowering the rates of infection. While washing hands with soap and keeping a safe physical distance are some of the most practical ways to combat the spread of COVID-19, these are not so simple tasks to do for Kenya’s most vulnerable population.

The KenGen Employee Giver Initiative is a platform for KenGen PLC staff to participate and contribute in the company’s corporate social responsibility activities.

The water tanks donation activity is part of the global #GivingTuesday movement that encourages corporates and individuals to participate in charitable activities during the festive season.

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Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

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Over forty KenGen PLC Sondu Power Station staff Givers joined hands with the Kenya Forest Service and the local community to plant 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings at Koguta Forest, Nyakach Sub-county on 2nd September in Phase II of the afforestation exercise. Another 6,000 seedlings, courtesy of KenGen PLC, were committed to rehabilitating the degraded forest over the next few weeks. 

Led by the Managing Trustee of the KenGen Foundation Anthony Igecha and KenGen Chief Environment Scientist Philip Barasa, the exercise, which saw the participants strictly adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, is a follow up of an earlier tree planting activity held in November last year.

“The Foundation and partners are today committing themselves to ensuring the sustainable restoration of the forest for the benefit of the environment and the community”, he added.

The 446 hectares Koguta forest is one of two forests in Kisumu County that are devastated from encroachment and wanton deforestation due to illegal charcoal burning and livestock grazing. 

The tree planting exercise, which was implemented with support from East Africa Breweries Limited and the Kenya Forest Service, is part of the national agenda aimed at achieving 10% forest cover by 2022. 

Echoing the sentiments of his counter-part, Philip Barasa informed the community members that the rehabilitation of the forest provides multiple benefits and is also a win to the company as it prevents siltation, and improves power generation. 

“As part of our mandate in environmental conservation, the company commits to producing to 50,000 tree seedlings annually for distribution to the community”, he added. 

During the event, twenty members from the area Community Forest Association joined the participants in the exercise despite the sweltering mid-morning heat to plant various indigenous tree seedlings. “As a community, we’ve so far seen the benefits of conserving Koguta, and we thank KenGen and partners for todays event despite the challenges brought by the corona virus”, said their chairman, present during the event.

KenGen PLC, through the KenGen Foundation implements long-term sustainable projects with like-minded partners focused on environmental conservation and community empowerment. 

Besides conserving the forest, KenGen PLC is committed to the conservation of  the Mau catchment area as the company’s Sondu Miriu and Sangoro Power Stations rely on water from Mau Forest complexto generate electricity.Sondu Miriu Power Station generates approximately 60 Mw. 

The KenGen “Givers” Initiative is a unique corporate endeavour in the country’s energy sector where KenGen PLC’s employees donate their time, skills and also financial contributions in amplifying the company’s sustainable CSI programme. The Givers have so far planted 20,000 trees at Koguta Forest. 

Through sustained corporate social efforts, KenGen PLC has since also put up 6 boreholes serving five locations within the area, and also the construction of a water treatment plant, which was handed over to the county government. 

The communities living adjacent to the Sondu Miriu power plant also benefited from the installation of hand pumps, and the provision of foodstuff and other crucial necessities. 

“Today’s tree planting exercise reflects one of the Foundation’s key pillars of environmental conservation”, said Anthony. 

The Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha thanked the Givers for showing up for the exercised and assured them of continued engagement in other projects. 

Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The KenGen Foundation in partnership with KenGen PLC and Tullow Oil launched the Schools Green Initiative Challenge tree growing competition at Turwel Gorge Primary School, West Pokot County on 11 March 2020.

During the ceremony, the guest of honour, KenGen’s Chairman Mr. Joshua Choge lauded the efforts of the partnership saying, “As we celebrate the expansion of the tree growing project, I would like to commend the KenGen Foundation for scaling up this unique partnership with Tullow Oil to extend to Turkana and West Pokot Counties to positively impact the schools and neighboring communities”.

ALSO READ: Schools Green Initiative Challenge Takes Root i Turkwel

The event, attended by KenGen Western Region Manager Eng. Alred Abiero, KenGen Foundation’s Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha included their counter part from Tullow Oil’s Local Content Manager Ms. Susan Munyiri. Other distinguished guests present were Mr. Charles Ewoi, Turkana County CEC Tourism representing the county’s governor, Ms. Roselin Lokorkilim from W. Pokot representing the area governor and the recently trained “green” teachers who will lead the afforestation project in the two counties.

14 registered schools from the two counties will compete in growing and nurturing selected tree species in the two-year pilot project that aims at increasing the areas forest cover while encouraging sustainable natural resource management through the planting of trees within school compounds.

READ MORE: Top GIC IV Schools Feted in Tree Growing Competition.

The Schools Green Initiative Challenge (GIC) is a programme that targets schools in arid and semi-arid areas to raise environmental awareness and create an involvement of schools and students in improving their environment through a participatory and rewarding initiative.

The project is designed as a challenge to participating schools, mainly due to the dry weather conditions in the areas, with prizes awarded based on the highest survival rate of seedlings and use of innovation with the best performing schools standing to benefit from education scholarships, infrastructural development, water tanks and rainwater-harvesting, and cash awards, among others. This encourages school children and communities to sustainably manage the woodlots, which provides the schools with renewable sources of wood fuel, reducing pressure on surrounding vegetation and forest resources.

Mr. Choge reiterated KenGen’s commitment to sustainable environmental management at its areas of operation, focusing its corporate social responsibility to the communities living around its power plants and beyond as the partnership.

The ceremony also saw Mr. Choge hand over a donation of 47 double decker beds to Turkwel Gorge Secondary School and Lorogon Primary School along with mattresses and blankets to provide a conducive learning environment for Turkana and West Pokot students.

Implemented by Kengen Foundation, KenGen PLC and Tullow, the GIC Turkwel project is a 2-year pilot that will involve over 500 students and ‘green’ teachers and school principals in planting selected tree species within their school compounds. The project partners provide seedlings and technical advice. The programme also includes 2 capacity building sessions per year for all participating schools and continuous Monitoring and Evaluation sessions.

In her speech, Tullow Oil’s Local Content Manager Ms. Susan Munyiri urged the schools to give their best in the competition and make it hard for the judges to select the winner at the end of the two-year cycle.

“See the challenge as an exercise in improving the counties’ forest cover that can be replicated outside the schools’ compounds”, she added.

Her sentiments were echoed by the Foundation’s Managing Trustee who encouraged the schools to replicate the success of the 10-year GIC project currently running at the semi-arid counties of Machakos, Embu and Kitui with over 600 schools participating.

The ultimate goal of the GIC is to raise the awareness and participation of school children in environmental conservation and ultimately increase the country’s forest cover from the current 7% to 10% that is recommended by United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

If you enjoyed this blog post, share it with a friend! 

Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

28 schools from the semi-arid counties of Turkana and West Pokot are the pioneers of the KenGen Foundation’s Schools Green Initiative Challenge tree growing competition in Turkwel following a two-day training and sensitization workshop held at the respective counties, 3^rd – 5^thMarch.

The 14 registered schools from Turkana County and 14 schools West Pokot will compete in growing and nurturing selected tree species in the two-year pilot project implemented by the KenGen Foundation in partnership with KenGen PLC and Tullow Oil PLC. The project aims at increasing the areas forest cover while encouraging sustainable natural resource management through the planting of trees within school compounds.

Addressing the schools environmental patrons and head teachers, KenGen’s Chief Environmental Scientist, Western Region, Philip Barasa welcomed the project in Turkwel and said that the company’s environmental department is not only obligated mitigate the effects of climate change, but also charged with promoting tree growing in its areas of operations.

“An aerial view of the two counties can reveal the devastating effects of environmental degradation, and this project is long overdue in the area”, he said.

“As a department, our mandate extends beyond planting trees to ensuring that the future generation will be able to enjoy the fruits of nature”, he added.

The two counties straddle KenGen PLC’s Turkwel hydropower station that generates approximately 106 MW from the Turwel Gorge Dam. The area is prone to erratic rainfall patterns and perennial drought that can be attributed to the effects of global warming.

Present during the training was Turkana South TSC Director Mr. Bernard Orwasa who lauded the project and pledged the commission’s commitment in minoring the trees planted as part of its mandate in encouraging sustainable environmental activities within schools.

The Foundation’s team comprising of Ernest Nyamasyo, Dorcas Arama and Mary Kimani were joined by the GIC Turkwel project’s Monitoring and Evaluation officers Abednego Ewoi and Celestine Pkemoi to deliver a series of lectures on the technics of nurturing and growing Azadirchta indica, Senna siameaand Terminalis browniitree species on 0.5 acre woodlots.

The ‘green’ teachers were instructed on best practices in tree nursery management including weeding, seed propagation, pest and disease control, and best practices in sustainable water harvesting. Participants were encouraged to transfer the knowledge and skills gained from the training to the students and their communities.

The GIC Turkwel tree growing competition is part KenGen’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and an extension of the successful 10-year GIC project currently ongoing at Embu, Kitui and Machakos counties with over 600 schools.

Structured as a competition, the GIC Turwel project’s best performing schools stand to benefit from education scholarships, infrastructural developments, educational tours, water tanks, rainwater-harvesting structures, and cash awards after a period of two years.

The GIC Turkwel project targets the involvements of over 500 students; both in primary and secondary schools who will in turn act as the areas environment ambassadors during and after their education.

If you enjoyed this blog post, share it with a friend! 

Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

Ielanthi, Kakunike and Ndelekeni Primary Schools were recognized as the top three schools that excelled in Phase IV of the Green Initiative Challenge (GIC) schools greening programme during the awarding ceremony held at Ielanthi Primary School, Machakos County 28th February. Ielanthi Primary School, emerged top while Kakunike Primary School, Kitui County came second. At position three was Ndelekeni Primary School from Machakos County.

The Guest of Honour during the event was Machakos County Senator Mr. Boniface Kabaka who congratulated the winning schools while reaffirming the commitment of the senate in allocating over Kshs. 100 million for conserving the country’s water towers.

The Schools Green Initiative Challenge (GIC) is a programme that targets schools around the 7-Forks power stations in Embu, Kitui and Machakos counties, to raise environmental awareness and create an involvement of schools and students in improving their environment through a participatory and rewarding initiative.

In his speech during the award ceremony held at Ielanthi Primary School, KenGen PLC’s Director of Strategy and Innovation Eng. Muthike representing the company’s CEO lauded the efforts of the winning schools saying, ” As we celebrate our achievements in GIC it is important to note that positive environmental actions serve to renew our commitment as KenGen, and our goodwill towards sound environmental management at all levels”.

The project is designed as a challenge to participating schools, mainly due to the dry weather conditions in the areas, with prizes awarded based on the highest survival rate of seedlings and use of innovation with the best performing schools standing to benefit from education scholarships, infrastructural development, water tanks and rainwater- harvesting, and cash awards, among others.

This encourages school children and communities to sustainably manage the woodlots, which provides the schools with renewable sources of wood fuel, reducing pressure on surrounding vegetation and forest resources.

Implemented by Kengen Foundation, Better Globe Forestry and Bamburi Cement, GIC is a 10 year program that targets to enrol 1,000 schools and greening a total of 460 acres with 324,300 tree seedlings as well as 113,956 fruit seedlings (passion and pawpaw). The programme also includes 2 capacity building sessions per year for all participating schools and comt Monitoring and Evaluation sessions per year.

The Phase IV Awards are a culmination of activities that began in 2018, with the enrolment of 100 schools from the three counties.

Mrs. Reginalda Wanyonyi, KenGen ExCo Director speaking on behalf of the company’s chairman the Chairman emphasised the energy producer’s commitment to environmental conservation through afforestation.

“KenGen as a company is committed to environmental conservation and has put substantial resources to sustainably safeguard the environment it shares with other communities at around areas of operations and the country at large.

It is with this in mind that the company continues to invest in long-term programs such as the GIC, which is dedicated to environmental conservation by promoting a tree planting culture with particular emphasis to the school children, who are indeed, the transformational agents for a better environment.”

During the Award Ceremony, the partners also announced the launch of GIC Phase VI, which brings on board 100 schools from Kitui, Machakos and Embu Counties.

This addition brings to 600 the number of schools participating in the project since its launch in 2015. As part of the Phase VI activities, 100 “Green Teachers” and 100 Headmasters from the 100 recruited schools underwent a capacity building training on managing and nurturing their woodlots in various centres across the three counties.

“As we launch Phase IV today, we remain committed to working with the communities through such collaborations with like-minded organizations, to jointly reverse the climate change effects in Arid and Semi Arid Areas in Kenya”, added Ms. Mary Mueni, Country Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs – Bamburi Cement Ltd.

Participating schools plant drought resistant – multi-purpose Senna siamea(Muveshi),Melia volkensii(Mukau) and Terminalia brownii(Muuku) tree seedlings on their specially designated 0.5 to 1 acre plots. Once maintained, the trees accord the schools an opportunity to diversify their income through sale of timber as well as non-timber products.

The KenGen Foundation Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha congratulated the winning schools saying, “The GIC is just one of the environmental projects that the Foundation implements with partners Bamburi Cement Ltd., and Better Globe Forestry. Our efforts are now bearing fruit as we expand to West Pokot and Turkana counties with an extension of the GIC with other partners. “

The ultimate goal of the GIC is to raise the awareness and participation of school children in environmental conservation and ultimately increase the country’s forest cover from the current 7% to 10% that is recommended by United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

The project will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration, and the control soil erosion by increasing topsoil infiltration and reducing run-off.

If you enjoyed this blog post, share it with a friend! 

Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

More than 30 Sondu Power Station  staff Givers joined hands with the Kenya Forest Service to plant 10,000 indigenous tree seedlings at Koguta Forest, Nyakach Sub-county on 5th November as part of the on-going exercise of increasing the country’s forest cover.  Led by the Deputy Governor, Kisumu County Dr. Mathews Owili, the Givers were joined by their counterparts from the East Africa Breweries Limited, the Lake Basin Development Authority, Kenya Power and Lighting Company, Kenya Forest Service and KIWASCO. “We are grateful for this exercise that aims to increase Kisumu County’s forest cover, and hope that tree planting activities will be an annual exercise at the beginning of the rainy seasons”, said Dr. Owili “I urge the Koguta community to ensure the survival of the seedlings planted today”, he added. During the event, the KenGen’s Western Region manager Eng. Alfred Abiero said that the company is focused in tree planting efforts especially at the Mau catchment area  as hydro power stations rely on water to generate electricity.   https://www.kengenfoundation.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MVI_0437-1.movPresent during the tree planting exercise were KIWASCO Managing Director Thomas Odongo, LBDA Managing Director Raymond Omollo and EABL Group Corporate Relations Director Eric Kiniti, and the KenGen Foundation’s Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha. “Today’s tree planting exercise reflects one of the Foundation’s key pillars of environmental conservation”, said Anthony.  “The exercise also represents the power of  partnerships in Corporate Social Investment activities and links directly with the global Sustainable Development Goal 17”, he added.  A recent survey puts Kisumu County’s forest cover at approximately 0.45 percent. The 446 hectares Koguta forest is one of two forests that are under threat due to encroachment and wanton deforestation due to illegal charcoal burning and livestock grazing.  KenGen PLC donated 10,000 tree seedlings and pledged to add another 20,000, while LBDA promised to supply 20,000 and EABL 50,000. The target is to plant 100,000 trees within a period of one year. Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha thanked the Givers for showing up for the exercised and assured them of continued engagement in other projects touching on the Foundation’s three pillars of Environment, Education, Water and Sanitation. 

If you enjoyed this blog post, share it with a friend! 

Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The recent rains have been a blessing for schools participating in Phase IV and V of the Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge tree planting competition at Embu, Kitui, and Machakos counties.

‘Green’ teachers, the schools’ environment patrons, had earlier expressed their worries on the chances of survival for the delicate tree seedlings earlier distributed to the institutions courtesy of Better Globe Forestry, one of the project partners, that also includes KenGen Foundation, Bamburi Cement Ltd., and KenGen PLC.

The teachers are currently waiting for seedling replacements. They are also receiving real time professional tree nursery management advise from the GIC technical team through the project’s WhatsApp groups.

“Mobile technology has improved our work immensely”, says Daniel Ndolo, one of the project’s Monitoring & Evaluation Officers.

“WhatsApp groups are our key exchange forums where we address immediate issues while at the same time prioritize our schools visits’, he adds.

The GIC is an ambitious ten-year project aiming to plant over 500 acres in the three semi-arid counties of Embu, Machakos, and Kitui with drought resistant trees as a way of mitigating climate change, besides other multiple benefits. The project is a partnership and targets schools as the change catalysts for sustainable environmental conservation.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp Groups Changing Tree-planting Dynamics

Indeed, advancements within the information and technology (ICT) sector are affording development projects, such as the GIC, new ways of improving the overall project implementation and management cycle.

Communicating more effectively with a larger audience in hard-to-reach areas has never been easier. In the past, data collection, monitoring and evaluation were performed with paper and pen, which made them prone to error and difficult to conduct on a large scale without incurring high costs. Nowadays, mobile phones and tablets are widely used in surveys.

With social media forming an increasingly central part of how the world communicates, available tools have made communication easier, enjoyable and faster. This has proven to be an effective and efficient way of project management, getting feedback and learning from each other.

This approach has fostered more inclusive, collaborative and responsive processes across the project cycle right from planning, implementation, to monitoring and evaluation.

There are currently six WhatsApp groups under the GIC project with approximately 200 members. The project’s technical team, which includes representatives from the four organizations, is also included the groups.

The GIC Technical Team had initially set up a WhatsApp account to communicate program logistics, but it morphed into a space for the M&E officers and ‘green teachers to provide other kinds of information and respond to questions.

“We started to see patterns and we could track how engaged the different schools were based on how often they engaged on WhatsApp groups”, says Ndolo. In addition to the content, it was possible to gain insights into which of the participants were more engage based on their time and responses on the platform.

“It has made the GIC project more interactive. The teachers use the WhatsApp groups to communicate with their peers as well as seek the advice from us,” says Ndolo.

In the groups, the teachers exchange best tree nursery management ideas, consult on challenges and share success stories. Photos and short videos shared through the groups have provided opportunities for knowledge sharing and exchanges among the participants from the different schools.

The GIC WhatsApp groups act as two-way communication channels. On the one hand, the teachers can inform the GIC Technical Team on the challenges they’re facing. On the other hand, it facilitates better project management through real time updates.

The GIC is an afforestation project implemented by the KenGen Foundation and facilitated by Bamburi Cement Ltd., Better Globe Forestry and KenGen PLC. The project is designed as a competition amongst the participating institutions for the highest seedling survival rates through the application of various innovations at the schools’ woodlots.

Currently, there are over 200 schools from the three counties taking part in Phase IV and V of the tree planting competition for the ultimate prize of educational trips, scholarship opportunities, and other prizes.

Today, use of social media is critical and inevitable. It is not costly, it has no age limit and no distance barrier, and it can be used both formally and informally in managing projects and stakeholders.

Follow us on Twitter through @KenGen_Foundatn and like our Facebook page for more updates.

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

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