For the past decade, the effects of climate change have been at the forefront of public policy and international discussion. Recent natural disasters around the world, such as drought in East Africa, heatwaves in Asia, forest fires in North America, and the first-ever cyclone in Kenya and Tanzania following weeks of heavy rain, have highlighted the urgency of the issue. In Kenya, this cyclone and subsequent floods have left over 200 people dead since March and displaced more than 165,000 people, according to recent reporting by the Voice of Africa.
With the effects of climate change now at our front door, the need for individuals, corporations, and governments to step up and contribute to this fight has become more urgent. The government is already taking steps to address this through the National Tree Growing Day. In line with this, The Family Group Foundation is contributing to environmental conservation through tree-planting initiatives.
The Foundation in 2022 launched the "Adopt a Forest" initiative at the Ngong Hills Forest ecosystem in Kajiado County, committing to restore 240 acres of forest cover. This initiative aims to combat deforestation and support local communities, who are the custodians of the forest, by providing valuable ecological benefits and creating jobs, thus supporting the local economy.
In line with this year’s World Environment Day theme of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #Generation Restoration,” The Family Group Foundation, Family Bank ESG champions, Nairobi Institute of Technology students led by their Principal Wairimu Keriri and the Nation Media Group staff led by General Manager Commercial and Advertising James Sogoti planted 1,000 tree seedlings as part of the phase two forest restoration initiative. The exercise was a testament to the power of collective action.
Speaking during the tree planting exercise, The Family Group Foundation Executive Director, John Waimiri, quoted the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, saying, “Until you dig a hole, plant a tree, water it, and make it survive, you haven’t done a thing. So, let us not tire. Family Bank has committed to restoring 240 acres one tree at a time, so when called upon, please join us in this proud initiative." By continuing to plant and sustain trees and restore forest cover, we take crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of climate change and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
