On 28th November 2024, KEPSA Foundation led a tree-planting initiative in Taita Taveta County, at the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic (formerly Coast Institute of Technology), Voi Campus, and Ngangu Secondary School, Mwatate, where over 500 trees were planted.
The tree planting initiative is in collaboration with Dow Chemicals and ChildFund aimed at implementation of the Building Learning Opportunities with Orchard Management in Schools that aims at regreening and establishing orchards in schools in 6 counties: Taita Taveta, Makueni, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi. It was conducted along the Jumuiya Agribusiness Blue Economy Investment Conference (JABEIC) 2024 and as part of the official signing of the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KEPSA and Kenya’s six Regional Economic Blocs.
This initiative is anchored on KEPSA Foundation’s Kijani initiative, which falls under its priority area of Community Climate Action and Sustainability. It seeks to enhance nutrition, increase tree cover, promote economic empowerment, and instill a sense of environmental responsibility within schools and surrounding communities.
The tree planting event at the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic was graced by H.E Gideon Mung’aro, OGW, Kilifi County Governor and Chairperson of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani; Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO; Mr. Jackson Ole Mpario, CEO of the MAA Economic Bloc; Mr. Patrick Obath, the KEPSA Foundation Chairman; Mr. Bill Lay, the KEPSA Foundation Vice Chairman; and Ms. Gloria Ndekei, the KEPSA Foundation Executive Director; among other dignitaries from the County leadership.
KEPSA Foundation acknowledges its partnership with Chandaria Foundation and Global Peace Foundation—Kenya in establishing tree nurseries that supply seedlings for the regreening of schools and strengthen the commitment to environmental stewardship. The 500 tree seedlings were sourced from the Chandaria Tree Nursery at Kenyatta High School, one of 15 nurseries set up across 11 counties, each with a seasonal capacity to host 55,000 tree seedlings. Through this partnership, 17,000 seedlings valued at 1.7 Million Kenya Shillings were donated to the County Commissioner for planting across the County.
KEPSA Foundation also appreciates the collaboration of Taita Taveta County Commissioner Ms. Josephine Onunga, Taita Estate, Taita Taveta National Polytechnic Principal Mr. Stephen Gofwah, and Kenyatta High School Chief Principal Mr. David Kagutha for ensuring a successful tree planting event.
