For Martin Gitonga Njuki, Dominic Kereya Kaleke, Juliana Njeri Mbugua, and Midan Hussein, being awarded the KenGen Education Scholarships was not only an honor but also a relief.

The four qualified for the university scholarships after attaining straight As in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations, and have done KenGen proud by graduating with First Class Honors from their various universities.

KenGen Foundation’s Acting Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha praised their efforts and said, “The Foundation is proud of their achievements, as this reflects the company’s expectations”.

“Their accomplishments are a testament that the investment made to our scholarship beneficiaries is truly worth it”, he added.

“The four will automatically join the KenGen Alumni Club and engage with the rest in promoting and supporting the Education Pillar of the organization”, the Ag. Managing Trustee further said.

Martin Njuki

Martin Njuki, a native of Mbeere South Sub-county and the second born in a family of six, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) degree from University of Kabianga.

His academic journey saw him sit the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations twice to enable him to proceed to Kathiani Boys High School where he passed the national examinations with a B+, and qualify for the KenGen Education Scholarship.

Currently working as a medical representative in a pharmaceutical firm, Martin shares the following:

“To my loving family at KenGen Foundation, asanteni sana. For real, you’re touching lives, enabling our communities. Thank you for your all-round mentorship. I’m morally shaped courtesy of your investment in me. You helped me out of an otherwise pre-determined path of poverty and ignorance. Asanteni saaaana”.

Juliana Njeri

Juliana Njeri Mbugua is currently pursuing a professional course as an accountant (CPA – Section 6). Juliana, from Naivasha Sub-county, graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a bachelor of Commerce degree (Finance), having previously completed her secondary education at Maai Mahiu (Girls’) Secondary School with an A-.

Of the scholarship opportunity from KenGen, Juliana “is grateful to KenGen, through the KenGen Foundation, for the abundant support throughout my university education. I am, and will always remain very grateful for the immeasurable generosity of KenGen. This rare philanthropy has increased my desire to achieve more and contribute positively to my community, our nation and the world at large”.

Dominic Kaleke from Naivasha is an alumnus of the KenGen’s Education Scholarships programme. The former Narok High School student of 2012, he was awarded a full University scholarship after qualifying to join Chuka University.

There, he pursued a degree in Bachelor of Science (biochemistry) of which he graduated with First Class Honors.

The last-born son in a family of eleven has just started his career at Hot Springs Girls High School as a laboratory technologist and tells us the following: “I want to pass my sincere gratitude to KenGen Foundation and to KenGen fraternity for coming into my life and enable me to achieve my academic goals. Surely you have been more than a father and mother in my life. May God bless KenGen Foundation, may God bless KenGen. Once again thank you”.

Mwidani Hassan

Mwidani Hussein Hassan from Kilifi County is a former student at Tudor Day Secondary School, class of 2012. KenGen awarded him a full university scholarship after qualifying to join Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, where he pursued a degree in Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering of which he graduated with First Class Honors.

The second born son in a family of two, he was the top student at Tudor Day Secondary School, scoring an A.

He’s currently doing his internship at Kenya Power and Lighting Company, and sends us the following heartfelt thank you note:

“KenGen has and always will be my ‘heaven-sent’ life changer. Coming at a time when my hopes of joining the university, let alone pursuing my dream course, were clouded with uncertainty, the KenGen Foundation not only ensured I got into a lecture room but also had the smoothest campus life any student would hope for. The Foundation catered for all my fees, upkeep finances and psychological needs that enabled me to fully concentrate on my studies and achieve my goals.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the KenGen Company, the KenGen Foundation fraternity and more specifically to Sir Anthony Igecha and Ms. Dorcas Arama for their priceless care, guidance, and mentorship. May the Almighty reward them all with goodness“.

The KenGen Education Scholarship program has, since 2005, helped more than 600 bright but needy students from marginalized areas achieve their dream in education. Many have gone on to prominence.

They have made – and continue to make – their marks and achieve excellence in a variety of fields such as engineering, business, arts, and the government.

Our prominent alumni are a diverse group of individuals who cover the whole country, innovating, changing lives, and making history.

Congratulations to the new alumni!

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 Better Globe Forestry and Bamburi Cement Ltd., recently conducted a workshop to review the progress of the Schools Green Initiative Challenge at various centers in Embu, Kitui and Machakos counties.

200 principals and ‘green’ teachers from the schools participating in the tree-planting competition attended the capacity building sessions held from September 26 – 28.

The Foundation’s Ag. Managing Trustee addressing the green teachers during the 3-day capacity building.

READ MORE: Surprise Win for GIC during KenGen’s 2018 G2G

Acting Managing Trustee, KenGen Foundation, Anthony Igecha lauded the schools for their progress in nurturing the tree seedlings and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment and support in ensuring that Phase IV of the GIC is a success.

“Despite the severe environmental conditions in the three semi-arid counties, the Foundation and partners pledge to replace the lost seedlings distributed earlier”, he said.
“We hope that the schools’ administration and students involved in the project take good care of the seedlings. Head teachers should ensure that the woodlots are looked after even when the schools close for the December holidays”, he added.

Green teachers interact with the presenters during the 2nd GIC IV tree-planting workshop.

During the workshop, participants were taken through the benefits of planting Senna siamea, Terminalia brownii, and Melia volkensii, as a way of mitigating climate change, providing wood fuel, and alternative income opportunities in the timber industry.

The project’s Monitoring and Evaluation officers also advised the participants on how to identify and handle tree diseases. The KenGen Foundation team demonstrated to the participants the monetary value of planting the trees, while Better Globe Forestry encouraged the teachers to embrace the project in their individual households.

ALSO READ: Exciting Mombasa Tour for GIC Phase II Winners

In a separate presentation, the teachers were trained on how to use social media in communicating their progress and innovations with their peers and project partners. Teachers from the 3 counties set up WhatsApp groups to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and information on the GIC.

A green teacher refers to the GIC Technical Manual, courtesy of project partners KenGen Foundation, Better Globe Forestry, and Bamburi Cement.

The GIC 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.

RELATED: GIC II Runners-Up Fun at Olkaria

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.

Monitoring & Evaluation Officer January Muthoka takes the participants through the technicalities of nurturing the Mukau tree.

The GIC 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.

SEE MORE HERE: [metaslider id=3837]

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The Technical Committee of the Schools Green Initiative Challenge is glad to announce the appointment of Samuel Kariuki as the new Monitoring and Evaluation Officers for Phase IV of the Schools Green Initiative Challenge. He joins Daniel Ndolo and January Muthoka from Better Globe Forestry at Eastern Hydros.

READ MORE: New M&E Officers for Phase IV of Schools Tree-planting Competition

Samuel, who started planting Mangifera indica at his uncle’s farm at age of 11 years, was an attachee at KenGen’s Gitaru before joining Better Globe Forestry. Samuel holds BSc.in Environmental Science from Chuka University, and is a qualified Natural Resource Management specialist, registered at NEMA as an associate lead expert in environmental assessment and audit.

Samuel Kariuki (far R) with colleagues January Muthoka and Daniel Ndolo at KenGen Kipevu Power Station.

Samuel will play a crucial role in monitoring the success of Phase IV of the GIC project, a unique partnership between the champions of dry-land forestry – Better Globe Forestry; the experts of habitat restoration – Bamburi Cement Ltd; Africa’s biggest geothermal energy producer – KenGen; and the KenGen Foundation.

The project, designed as a competition between participating schools, aims at greening over 500 acres of the semi-arid counties of Embu, Meru, and Machakos with drought-resistant Terminalia brownie, Senna siamea and Melia volkensi tree species.

ALSO READ: Schools Green Initiative Challenge Welcomes 100 New Schools as Phase II Winners Recognized.

The project is gearing for the next teachers’ capacity building workshop for the current100 schools in Phase IV that are competing for the top prize in Phase IV of the afforestation competition. The winning school stands to win a fully paid trip to Mombasa, scholarships, and water tanks among others, based on the tree seedlings survival rates and innovations.

The new M&E officer is also charged with seedlings distribution, replacement, and keeping track of the project’s development within the 100 new schools participating on Phase IV.

Karibu Samuel!

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

200 ‘green’ teachers, including school principals, from 100 schools in the semi-arid counties of Embu, Kitui, and Machakos, benefitted from a three-day capacity building workshop held at various institutions from January 31^st – February 2^nd as Phase IV of the Schools Green Initiative Challenge kicked off in earnest.

KenGen Foundation’s Snr. Programs Officer Anthony Igecha welcoming the ‘green’ teachers during the tree-planting capacity building workshop.

The Foundation Senior Programs Officer, Anthony Igecha, says that the first capacity building workshop is crucial in laying the foundation for the successful setting up of the school woodlots.

“The overwhelming enthusiasm shown by the new teachers during the capacity building sessions is an indicator that schools participating in Phase IV of the challenge should brace themselves for stiff competition in ensuring the maximum number of seedlings survive and grow into mature trees after two years”, said Anthony.

READ MORE: Final Evaluation for Schools’ Tree Planting Competition Phase II

The 100 new GIC schools will compete in nurturing drought resistant Terminalia brownie, Senna siamea and Melia volkensi tree species in 0.5 acre plots at their institutions. The project aims at greening over 500 acres of the semi-arid counties of Embu, Kitui, and Machakos.

Julius Mwanyalo, Better Globe Forestry forester and GIC Monitoring & Evaluation Officer during the capacity building workshop.

The training, facilitated by the sponsors KenGen Foundation, Better Globe Forestry and Bamburi Cement, empowered the new ‘green’ teachers with technical knowledge on good tree nursery management, planting methods and seedling nurturing practices. They will in turn transfer the skills to the students involved in the afforestation competition.

MORE ON THIS: KenGen Scoops Best Corporate (State Agency) Tree Growing And Forest Conservation Award

Apart from gaining in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of the GIC tree and fruit species, participants also learnt various nursery management practices including weeding, seed propagation, pest and disease control, and best practices in sustainable water harvesting.

At the end of the competition, the best performing schools stand to benefit from education scholarships, infrastructural developments, educational tours, water tanks, rainwater-harvesting structures, and cash awards.

100 new ‘green’ teachers have pledged their commitment to the Schools Green Initiative Challenge Phase IV.

Best performing ‘green’ teachers from the three counties also stand to win prizes including sponsored trips, cash prizes, shopping vouchers and certificates.

The GIC is the Foundation’s flagship environment project, managed and implemented in collaboration with Bamburi Cement Ltd., and Better Globe Forestry.

GIC Phase IV will be officially launched on February 28^th.

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

99 new schools joined the Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge Expansion Project during the launch of Phase III of the afforestation competition at a colorful ceremony held at Tulimyumbu Primary School, Machakos County on 5 May.

This bring to 219 the number of schools currently involved in the tree-planting project implemented by the KenGen Foundation in partnership with Better Globe Forestry and Bamburi Cement limited.

” The task of environmental conservation cannot be left as the sole responsibility of a single or a number of institutions but that of every citizen whether individual or corporate” Mr. Joshua Choge, Chairman KenGen

The event, hosted by the KenGen Foundation, was graced by the presence of KenGen’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Joshua Choge, and the Acting KenGen MD Eng. David Muthike. Also present were KenGen Eastern Hydros Operations Manager Eng. Francis Kawa; KenGen Business Development Director Moses Wekesa; KenGen Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru; the Managing Director Better Globe Forestry Ltd., Jean-Paul Deprins’ and the Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sustainable Development Susan Maingi of Bamburi Cement Ltd.

Mr. Joshua Choge, the chief guest, noted that through the GIC, the Foundation and partners invest more than 10 million annually since the program started in 2013 for a worthy cause, with the results witnessed at Tulimyumbu attesting to this.

“We’re all witnesses to the effects of wanton environmental destruction through logging, illegal charcoal burning, and other such activities that have laid waste many parts of our beautiful country and now threaten the livelihoods of both current and future generations”, he said.

“Each one of us has a duty to stop this. The task of environmental conservation cannot be left as the sole responsibility of a single or a number of institutions but that of every citizen whether individual or corporate,” he added.

Tulimyumbu is one of the 120 school involved in Phase II of the GIC. Under the project, 500 acres of arid and semi-arid land in the counties of Embu, Machakos, and Kitui are set to go green in the ambitious ten-year schools afforestation project.

“…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”, David Muthike, Ag. MD KenGen.

The Green Initiative Challenge expansion project involves schools in growing woodlots within their compounds with the drought resistant Muveshi and Mukau tree species. Pawpaw and Passion fruit trees have recently been introduced.

Welcoming the new schools, the acting MD David Muthike noted that…

198 teachers, including head teachers and principals from 90 schools in the semi-arid areas of Embu, Machakos and Kitui counties underwent a capacity building exercise from 1-3 March in preparation of their taking part in phase III of the Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge program

The training, facilitated by the KenGen Foundation, Better Globe Forestry, Bamburi Cement, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) aimed to equip the new ‘Green Teachers’ and school heads with the necessary skills and information on how to participate and manage the afforestation competition.

READ HERE: Specialized ‘Mukau Tree” Facility Set to Change Kenya’s Dry-land Landscape

KenGen Foundation Senior Programs Officer Anthony Igecha says the inclusion in the training of the schools’ head teachers during phase three of the afforestation competition is crucial for the successful implementation of the project.

School heads and Environmental Club Patrons at one of the trainings held at Mbondoni Secondary School, Kitui County. The inclusion of the headteachers is crucial for the success of the afforestation competition.

“The schools administration need to own the project right from the beginning. This will ensure that the students get full support, and also guarantee the allocation of necessary resources for the project,” said Igecha.

The teachers were coached on the various characteristics of the GIC including

READ HERE: GIC Steering Committee Field Trip To Assess Project

Students from Mwea Primary School during a visit to Olkaria Power Station. The School won second place during GIC phase I.

Schools in Nakuru County are the new focus of the Schools Green Initiative Challenge –GIC, as consultations continue between KenGen Foundation and the Olkaria Environmental team to launch the program in the area this year.

The two teams held their latest planning meeting on August 10 and discussed on the progress of launching the tree planting competition in the area as part of addressing the Nakuru county’s deforestation problem as well as realising the Company’s Corporate Social Investment objectives.

The Foundation team was led by Senior Programmes Officer Anthony Igecha, while Mike Chege, Douglas Gichangi, and Alphonse Cheruiyot represented the Olkaria Environmental team.

“It is within the company’s mandate to be at the forefront on environmental conservation issues in Nakuru County due to the expansion of geothermal exploration at Olkaria, said Anthony adding that the Foundation had a duty of nurturing Nakuru’s young people and students to become future environmental ambassadors. The GIC, he noted, is one of the best platforms for this purpose as evidenced in its wide adoption in Embu Machakos and Kitui counties.

A section of St. Martin Kaewa Secondary School Environment Club at their woodlot. The students undertook the “greening” competition to emerge the winner of the pilot afforestation competition.

Kenya has a relatively low forest cover at only 6.99 per cent of its territory, which falls short of the required standards by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Article 69 of Kenya’s Constitution establishes that, “the State shall work to achieve and maintain a tree cover of at least 10 per cent of the land area of Kenya.”

Environment and natural resources in Kenya are valuable national assets that must be sustainably managed. They offer a range of benefits and opportunities for local and national economic development.

READ St. Martin Kaewa’s Journey to becoming GIC Champions

Trees and forests make vital ecological, social and economic contributions in terms of water storage and purification, river flow regulation, flood mitigation, recharge of groundwater, reduced soil erosion and siltation and conservation of biodiversity. Forests also support key economic sectors including energy, tourism, agriculture and industries.

In the past, environmental conservation efforts have faced numerous challenges such as rapidly growing population, habitat destruction, overgrazing, deforestation, pollution, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources and poor waste management. These challenges can be addressed through public and private partnerships.

Students from Kalatile Primary School show off their tree seedlings during the GIC M&E exercise.

A young boy secures the straps of his school bag as he waters young mukau seedlings in the school compound. His classmate, a young girl of class six, checks the fencing around the ploughed plot. She knows that goats will do anything to reach the succulent leaves of the young trees. Satisfied, they both leave for their homes, confident that they are on the right track in their tree planting project. After all, the school’s “green teacher” has regularly guided them on best tree planting practices.

Over the past few months, students from the 120 schools participating in the School’s Green Initiative Challenge (GIC) expansion project have been busy setting up their woodlots and nurturing their seedlings in the tree planting competition within the three counties of Kitui, Embu and Machakos districts.

Last week, the GIC expansion project Technical Committee comprising of staff from KenGen Foundation, KenGen, Better Globe Forestry Limited, and Bamburi Cement Limited undertook the first joint monitoring and evaluation exercise to assess the progress of the afforestation competition by visiting different schools within the participating counties.

In anticipation of the annual short rains in April, all the schools participating in the Green Initiative Expansion Project in Embu, Kitui and Machakos counties have received the seedlings of the trees of choice in the “greening” competition, March 2016.

The distribution was carried out to coincide with the long rains and after our monitoring officers had certified the schools were ready for the seedlings.

KenGen staff inspecting a school’s woodlot, Embu County. All the schools involved in the GIC have now received seedlings in preparation for the long rains.

The seedlings of Senna siamea and Melia volkensii, locally known as Muveshi and Mukau respectively, are now more than a foot in height, and have already started sprouting, while the 5,000 paw-paw seedlings are also ready for distribution.

“We are excited to begin the next phase of the Green Initiative Challenge”, said Amos Mbutu, the KenGen Environment Officer at 7-Forks. “ Some of the participating schools in Kitui and Embu had poorly prepared sites that did not conform to the recommendations and have to be redone”.