Four retirees from Kipevu Power Plant joined their colleagues and staff from the KenGen Foundation in a tree planting exercise to mark their last day at KenGen PLC on 8 November at Eng. Alfred Obiero’s Environment Corner within the station. The tree planting exercise was part of the KenGen Foundation’s Corporate Social Investment activities in-line with the Company’s Employee Giver Initiative objectives.

Ag. Regional Manager – Thermal Reuben Wekesa, and his counterpart Eng. Salim Omar plants a tree at Eng. Obiero’s corner.

Led by the Foundation’s Ag. Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha, and Ag. Regional Manager Reuben Wekesa – Thermal; North Konzi, Benson Musembi, John Mwanzia, and Peter Marube joined more than eighty Kipevu staff in planting 320 tree seedlings as a way of “greening” the power plant’s environment.

Ngong Hills Environmental Cleanup Kicks Off Giving Season

Speaking during the event, Eng. Wekesa encouraged Kipevu staff to continue planting trees as a way of mitigating the effects of adverse climate changes affecting the country. He appealed to the participants to uphold retired Eng. Alfred Obiero’s vision of greening Kipevu Power Plant and nurture the seedlings planted.

Echoing the manager’s sentiment, Anthony Igecha lauded the impressive turnout and was grateful that the Foundation was involved in the tree planting exercise.

“As a Foundation, we are proud to be associated with this activity as it aligns with our environment pillar and our flagship environmental program the Schools Green Initiative Challenge”, he said.

“As an organization, we hope that Kipevu will be involved in the program as we expand to schools in Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa counties”, he added.

Benson Musembi during the tree planting exercise. Benson has served KenGen for more than 20 years.

Benson Musembi retires from the Company’s Administration Department, while North Konzi worked in Finance. Both John Mwanzia and Peter Marube were in Operations.

During the luncheon held in their honor, the retirees thanked the Company for the opportunity and advised the rest to stay focused and committed in their work.

Business Value of KenGen’s CSI

Expressing sincere gratitude for their service, Salim Omar, Chief Engineer – Thermal, praised their commitment and dedication to KenGen and wished them the best in their sunset years. His counterpart Oswlad Ngeti -Union Representative praised the work ethics that saw them devote more than twenty years of service to the Company.

Organized by the KenGen Foundation, the Kipevu tree planting exercise follows an earlier environmental cleanup carried out at Ngong Hills Power Station. It is part of KenGen Employee Giver Initiative activities aimed at involving KenGen staff in the company’s CSI.

Similar activities will be rolled out at other KenGen regions over the next few weeks.

The KenGen Foundation wishes the retirees all the best in their future endeavors.

SCROLL THROUGH THE PICS TO SEE HOW THE TREE PLANTING EXERCISE HAPPENED

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

In a colorful ceremony held at Starehe Boys Centre, 20 secondary school students and 21 university students were awarded sponsorship during the Annual KenGen Education Scholarships Awards on 18 April. This is the 13^th batch that the Company is awarding education scholarships.

Mr. Joshua Choge, KenGen’s Chairman presents the scholarship to Marthe Mwanzia of Meru University. With him are Eng. Simon Ngure, Director Regulatory & Corporate Affairs and Ag. Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha.

Hosted by the KenGen Foundation, the event was graced by KenGen’s Chairman Mr. Joshua Choge; Eng. Simon Ngure – representing KenGen’s MD & CEO; Supply Chain Director Philip Yego; and Josphat Mwaura, Member of Managing Committee Starehe Boys Centre and CEO of KPMG.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Eng. Ngure reiterated the value of hard work to the scholarship recipients adding that he too was a beneficiary of the programme.

Paul Kevin, an electrical engineer at KenGen and a beneficiary of the KenGen Education Scholarships having a session with the students.

“Coming from a humble background myself, I know all to well the struggles that you go through looking for schools fees to fund your education. KenGen has so far invested over 300 million in education scholarships and other related activities towards nurturing tomorrow’s workforce and leaders, and for this we should be grateful”, he said.

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

On his part, the KenGen Chairman, Mr. Joshua Choge encouraged the secondary schools students to choose relevant courses that will be marketable once they graduate to university, adding, “Through the Education Scholarships Programme, KenGen is nurturing a generation with adequate skills and know-how, capable of tackling intricate challenges of the modern world, ultimately make our country enjoy a thriving economy to sustain a strong society free from the burden of poverty and social injustice”.

Students during the KenGen Education Scholarships awards ceremony at Starehe Boys Centre, Nairobi.

The Education Scholarships Awards comes after three days of the KenGen Foundation Annual Mentorship, now in its fifth year.

The KenGen Foundation Annual Mentorship aims at guiding the scholarships beneficiaries into becoming academic giants, while at the same time encouraging the discovery of talents and nurturing of life skills to provide for a balanced approach in achieving transformational leadership.

Opinion leaders, motivational speakers, and distinguished achievers of the various industries engage the students in group lectures, interactive meetings, and team building exercises.

MORE ON THIS: Hard work Pays Off for KenGen Education Scholarship Alumni

Paul Kevin, a KenGen Education Scholarships Alumni gave a moving narration of his journey through the programme until employment into the Company. He encouraged the participants to focus, work hard, and not give up despite the challenges. Other KenGen staff who addressed the students included Henry Ithiami, the Quality & Safety Manager, and James Obondo, KenGen’s Chief Administration Officer, Medicare.

Guest artist Wahu Kagwi gave an emotional talk on how building confidence can change the participants’ outlook on life.

Guest speaker Wahu Kagwi interacts with the scholarship recipients during the KenGen Education Awards ceremony held at Starehe Boys’ Centre.

The KenGen Education Scholarship program offers learning opportunities for bright needy secondary and university students selected from the communities living near the Company’s power installations. The scholarships offer the beneficiaries opportunities to achieve academic excellence while at the same time opening doors to great careers and better futures. Currently the program has 81 university students, and 99 secondary students in various high schools and universities.

ASLO READ: A Different Life Experience for a KenGen Scholarship Recipient

Eight of the students have being sponsored by contributions from the KenGen Employee Giver Initiative, and four others from one of our project partners, Bamburi Cement Ltd.

The KenGen Foundation wishes all the scholarships beneficiaries success in their education.

Check out the photo reel below!

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

With the holiday season approaching fast, the KenGen Foundation hosted the recently nominated Champions of the Employee Giver Initiative for their inaugural sensitization workshop which was held at RBS Plaza 2 on 20^th November.

The 17 Giver Champions from Central Office, Upper Tana, Eastern Hydros, Kipevu, Western Hydros, and Olkaria were taken through the set up of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility structures and Corporate Social Investments activities in relation to the functions of the KenGen Foundation as the philanthropic arm of KenGen.

The Foundation’s Managing Trustee addresses Giver Champions during the inaugural sensitisation workshop held at RBS Plaza.

Addressing the Giver Champions, the Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru appreciated their volunteering spirit of the Champions in taking the lead of implementing short-term area charitable activities under the Company’s Employee Giver Initiative. Slightly over 48per cent of KenGen staff have now subscribed to the initiative.

“This is an exciting phase of the Giver Initiative as the Foundation delegates and empowers staff Givers to play an active role in executing both long term and short-term community projects at area level”, he said.

“Apart from being the liaison between area Givers and the Foundation, the Champions are also charged with the responsibility of identifying impactful community projects and mobilizing area Givers to participate in their implementation. ”, he added.

The Foundation’s Snr. Fundraising Officer Cathy Kwena during the workshop.

The Giver Champions will play a huge role during this year’s #Giving Tuesday slated for November 28, and celebrated globally. On that day individuals, communities, and organizations come together to celebrate and encourage giving.The Giver champions will plan and coordinate area activities for the day as part of the Company and Givers participation in the global event.

#GivingTuesdayprovides a platform for participating organizations and individuals to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. #GivingTuesday harnesses the potential of social media, and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities.

The nomination of the 17 Giver champions is a milestone for KenGen, as their role in the areas will enhance the Company’s image as a responsible corporate citizen. The Champions will coordinate the area activities under the Foundation’s three pillars of sustainability namely Education, environment, Water & Sanitation.

All Givers are encouraged to join in the #GivingTuesday activities and share pictures on social media using the harsh-tag #GivingTuesday, #GivingTuesdayKe, and #KenGenFoundation.

Staff interested in joining the Employee Giver Initiative can do so by contacting Lydia Mbaka through ext. 6709.

Kenneth Otieno (Eastern Hydros), Peter Ngachuro (Western Hydros), and Charity Ndwiga (Upper Tana).

Patrick Ndirangu and Mary Nancy (Eastern Hydros).

Frankline Omumamu (Olkaria).

Issac Asienwa (Kipevu).

Kimani Kang’ethe.

Dorcas Arama (Accounts Officer), Lydia Mbaka (Admin Officer), and Cathy Kwena (Snr. Fundraising Officer).

Anthony Igecha (Snr. Programs Officer).

David Ochieng (Olkaria).

Peter Ngachuro (Western Hydros).

Patrick Olum (Central Office).

Charity Ndwiga (Upper Tana).

Joyce Wambua (Olkaria).

Omar Sokar Abdi.

Hellen Onchari (Western Hydros).

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The KenGen Foundation wrapped up the Employee Giver Initiative recruitment exercise at Olkaria by registering 135 new Givers from the power stations from 2 to 5 October. This raised the number of the area Givers to 284.

The Foundation team was warmly welcomed at Geothermal Plaza, the power stations and the rigs as Olkaria staff enthusiastically inquired about the Company’s Corporate Social Investment activities while subscribing to the Initiative.

And in a befitting appreciation ceremony, the area Givers were treated to a cocktail at the Geothermal Plaza where they had a chance to meet and mingle with the chief guests, Mike Njeru, the Foundation’s Managing Trustee, Abraham Serem, KenGen’s Human Resources Director, and Eng. Peter Ouma acting on behalf of Geothermal Development Director, Eng. Abel Rotich.

HR Director Abraham Serem addressing the Olkaria Givers.

Addressing the Givers, Mr. Serem praised those who made the choice to become new subscribers to the initiative in the area. He also thanked the Foundation for starting the initiative, which is currently supporting scholarships for eight students in secondary school.

READ MORE: Giver Numbers Hit 1,200 As 28 Eastern Hydros Staff Sign Up

Mike Njeru welcomed the new Givers and thanked them for their selflessness in committing their resources to transforming the lives of the less fortunate in the society.

Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru during the event.

“I’m more than humbled by the numbers of those who have subscribed to the initiative in Olkaria in the last few days’, Mike said in his keynote speech.

“Olkaria has so far seen the highest number of subscribers this year, and I encouraged the Givers to recruit their counterparts who are yet to sign up”, he added.

READ MORE: Giver Initiative Welcomes Upper Tana Champions

In a tight nomination to select the area Giver Champions, Frankline Omumamu was elected to represent Olkaria’s Drilling and Logistics, with David Odek designated to take lead at the Power Stations and Wellheads. Kimani Kangethe and Joyce Wambua were unanimously elected as the Champions for Olkaria’s Geothermal Plaza, Science Labs & Geothermal Club.

The Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru and Snr. Fundraising Oocicer Cathy Kwena pose with Olkaria Giver champions.

The new Champions join their counterparts from other KenGen power stations to guide in the coordination and implementation of the area’s CSI activities, while acting as a bridge between the Givers and the Foundation.

Acapella group Ninga Melodies brought the house down with an electrifying performance as the Givers danced to Kenya’s popular song renditions, marking the end of the 2017 Employee Giver Initiative areas recruitment and appreciation exercise

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 ortheir time and skills towards the Foundation’s three pillars of sustainability namely Education, Environment, Water and Sanitation.

KenGen staff wishing to join the Giver Initiative can contact the Foundation’s Administration Officer Lydia Mbaka through [email protected] or through extension 6709. They can also see their local champions for guidance.

See how the cocktail went down below…

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The KenGen Employee Giver Initiative subscriptions now stand at 1,200 members after the Foundation team concluded a 2-day recruitment and appreciation exercise at Eastern Hydros from 13 – 14 September.

Eastern Hydros Operation’s Manager Eng. Francis Kawa addresses the area Givers.

The Foundation team was well received at the 7-Forks stations of Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere with staff eager to learn more about how they could be part of KenGen’s Corporate Social Investment activities.

READ MORE: Giver Initiative Welcomes Upper Tana Champions

Gitaru power station had the highest number of new subscribers with 28 staff signing up, followed by Kamburu with 13, Kindaruma – 10, Kiambere – 8, and Masinga – 3.

The Foundation’s Snr. Fundraising Officer Catherine Kwena with the Managing Trustee Mike Njeru during the event.

Eastern Hydros Operations Manager Eng. Francis Kawa, himself an ardent Giver in his own right, was humbled by the dedication shown by the area Givers and encouraged them to sign up their colleagues who are yet to subscribe to the initiative.

READ MORE: New Givers Sign Up at the 5th G2G Innovation Seminar

During an evening cocktail held in appreciation of all Eastern Hydros Givers, the Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru congratulated all subscribers for their efforts and commitment to the initiative.

“It is through your contributions that we as a company can continue touching lives as we expand our social programs”, said Mike Njeru.

“Collectively, we are now in a better position to support extra students under the education pillar, and also scale up the company’s environmental conservation projects”, he added.

During the appreciation ceremony, where the famous acapela group Ninga Melodies gave an electrifying performance, Omar Abdi and Nathan Ngumi were elected as Gitaru champions, while Keneth Otieno and Henry Muithya will represent Kamburu and Kindaruma power stations respectively.

Nancy Chepkosgei was nominated as Kiambere power station champion, and Patrick Ndirangu will represent Masinga.

Congratulation champions, and welcome!

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

Upper Tana Givers unanimously elected Charity Ndwiga and Yusuf Issa as the area Champions during an elaborate luncheon held at the Upper Tana Community Hall to appreciate the station’s staff contributions to KenGen’s Corporate Social Investment efforts on 7 September.

Upper Tana power station Givers during the appreciation luncheon held at the community hall.

The event also saw 16 more staff members subscribe to the initiative, raising the total number of Upper Tana Givers to 46, an indication that 45% of the power station workers are committed to the company’s CSI activities.

READ MORE: New Givers Sign Up at the 5th G2G Innovation Seminar

Charity, Upper Tana’s Administrative Assistant, has been an active Giver since signing up on April 2015, while Yusuf Issa, who works as Wanji Station’s Superintendent joined the initiative 2 years ago.

Speaking during the event, Upper Tana’s Station Manager Elijah Kibathi lauded the new Givers for joining the initiative and urged them to mobilise each other in order to raise the percentage of subscribers.

Upper Tana power station manager Elijah Kibathi addresses the Givers during the luncheon.

Mike Njeru, the KenGen Foundation’s Managing Trustee welcomed the new Givers and congratulated the newly elected champions who will serve as the area’s activities coordinators.

The Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru welcomes the new Givers.

Upper Tana station manager Elijah Kimathi, the Foundation’s Managing Trustee Mike Njeru cut a cake with area champions Yusuf Issa and Charity Ndwiga.

Yusuf Issa gets a piece of the cake…

….Charity Ndwiga was not to be left behind...

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.

READ MORE: Central Office Boosts Givers numbers

The Givers recruitment and appreciation ceremonies continue at other KenGen areas over the next month.

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The KenGen Foundation’s desk was a beehive of activities as fifteen new ‘Givers’ subscribed to the KenGen Employee Giver Initiative during this year’s G2G Innovation seminar held at Enashipai Resort and Spa from 3-7 July.

KenGen Foundation’s Dorcas Arama at the Foundation’s desk during the 5th G2G Innovation Seminar 2017

Participants and delegates stopped by to inquire, and find out more about how they could get involved in the Company’s Corporate Investment activities through the Employee Giver Initiative which centres its activities on the Foundation’s three key pillars of sustainability namely Environment, Education, and Water & Sanitation.

Under the seminar’s theme of “Partnerships for Innovation”, the Foundation was delighted to welcome the new Givers who will join the more than 800 subscribers in supporting the Company’s Education Scholarships and Mentorship program, reforestation projects, and improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for communities living around KenGen’s power stations.

KenGen Foundation’s Cathy Kwena with a new Giver Michael Ogonji, Senior Engineer Capital Planning

 “I believe that this is a very good initiative for a worthy cause. Helping the needy is a basic instinct to humanity and should be encouraged. The environment gives us resources free, but all it also requires us to manage it sustainably. Let us all join hands and embrace the true spirit of humanity”, said Michael Ogonji, Senior Engineer Capital Planning.

The KenGen Employee Giver Initiative is part of KenGen’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen while at the same time adding value to the livelihoods of neighbouring communities.

The initiative is in line with this year’s G2G main objective, which is to encourage employees to embrace and embed innovation in the Company’s operations by coming up with new ideas relating to new business models, revenue generation and cost cutting measures.

KenGen Givers voluntarily contribute and participate in the company’s CSI activities. They also use their time and skills in brainstorming and providing solutions to day-to-day challenges facing the marginalized communities.

The Initiative is also an important channel for diversifying funding for the Company’s CSI projects. It also aims at increasing KenGen employees’ attitudes and feelings of ownership and affiliation to the company’s projects, specifically community ones.

Givers also have a great opportunity to develop their leadership and project management skills, meet and mingle with community members, as well as staff from other stations during the CSI activities.

“It just feels good to give back to the community”, said Faith Katua, Senior IT Auditor and the latest addition to the Giver family.

Karibuni sana new Givers!

The KenGen Employee Giver Initiative subscriptions now stand at 746 members after the Foundation registered 18 new staff members from Olkaria Power Plant during the staff induction held in Naivasha last week. Five more staff had signed up earlier in the week from Nairobi Central office

Joseph, Monica, Keziah, Abdalla (with Ernest in the background).

Two of the new subscribers, Peter Karikou and Stanley Pchumba are former beneficiaries of the KenGen Education Scholarships who graduated with honours to join the company under the scholarship policy. They are also members of the KenGen Foundation Alumni Club, formed by former beneficiaries of the scholarships program.

The half-year has also seen a majority of subscribers who had pledged a one off contribution convert to monthly Givers, especially at the Central Office.

The Givers have recently engaged in various activities including environmental conservation and reforestation efforts at Sang’oro Power Plant and Nairobi National Park, the latter in a unique partnership with Nairobi Greenline of protecting the park by developing a green buffer zone.

Click here to view the gallery of KenGen Givers

The KenGen Giver Initiative program aims at involving the company staff in Corporate Social investment activities and nurturing them to become Givers in their own rights. It will also give employees a great opportunity to develop their leadership and project management skills as they mingle with community members and staff from other stations from different parts of the country.

The Giver Initiative currently has 20 registered mentors under the Foundation’s Education pillar who are playing a crucial role in ensuring the wholesome development of the students under our scholarships.

Currently, 8 secondary high school students are being supported through the Giver Initiative.

The Foundation expresses sincere appreciation to all giver initiative members and urges those who have no yet joined to sign up through their area’s HR office. Alternatively, you can contact us by e-mail through [email protected].

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

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer

The KenGen Employee Giver initiative has evolved ever since its launch in January 2015 with the current number of subscriptions standing close to 600, a clear indication that more KenGen staff are embracing the scheme.

KenGen Foundation awarding Givers at Olkaria Geothermal Power Station. The Giver’s Initiative  is currently supporting 8 Secondary School students from the subscriptions. 

Currently, Central Office leads with the total monthly contributions standing at Ksh. 498,400, followed by Olkaria with Ksh. 229,600. Lower Tana recorded a total of Ksh. 213,500, while Kipevu, Upper Tana, and Western Hydros contributions stand at Ksh. 142,100, Ksh. 110,600, and Ksh. 109,900 respectively.

From Kipevu to Sondu Miriu, the KenGen Foundation teams were well received by the Givers at the power stations during the second week of the Employee Giver Appreciation and Awarding ceremonies slated for all areas.

Thirty nine Givers at Kipevu Power Plant were awarded certificates and other tokens of appreciation by the Foundation’s team comprising of Anthony Igecha, the Program’s Manager, and Dorcas Mokeira, the Accounts Officer. The team also registered five new Givers during the ceremony held on September 15.

Click here to view the Photo Gallery of the Giver award ceremonies.

“The turn out was impressive, and the enthusiasm displayed by the Givers at Kipevu should be replicated at other KenGen power installations”, said Anthony. “The new subscribers are really excited to be part of the Giver Initiative, and shared interesting ideas on how to implement the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) activities, some of which will be included in our planning”, he added.

The Foundation’s team that visited Sondu Miriu for the ceremony on September 17 was received by extremely cheerful Givers from the area. The team, led by The Managing Trustee Mr. Mike Njeru had an exciting time during the awarding ceremony which was attended by most of the Giver Initiative subscribers from the area.

“We are grateful for your participation in the Giver Initiative, and welcome the new subscribers to the program”, said Mike Njeru during his keynote speech at the power plant’s social hall. He noted that some of the Givers from the area were already involved in the Foundation’s activities as mentors under the Education pillar while the rest would soon be involved in other CSI activities under the Environment, and Water and Sanitation Pillars. He encouraged the new Givers to take up active rolls once various programs are rolled out.

Five new subscribers to the Giver Initiative were also registered.

The Foundation expresses sincere appreciation to all those who attended the ceremonies and the new Givers who joined up during the tours.

The Foundation teams are holding similar ceremonies at 7-Forks, Upper Tana and Olkaria over the next 2 weeks.

To subscribe to the Giver Initiative, click here (KenGen Employees only)

–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communications Officer