Makindu, Kenya – The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has set a goal to plant 1.5 million trees by 2028, contributing to national efforts in environmental conservation. This announcement was made by KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo during the National Tree-Growing Day at Kiu Wetland in Makindu Sub County, an event led by President William Ruto.
According to Kenya News Agency, Njonjo shared that KCB has already planted 280,000 trees across the country this year, exceeding its annual target. The initiative includes participation from each bank branch and extends to schools through the Linda Miti programme, which encourages students to plant and nurture trees. The aim is to instill a culture of tree growing among the youth.
During the event at Kiu Wetland, over 150,000 trees were planted by various organisations involved in environmental conservation. The initiative addresses the environmental degradation caused by encroachment and farming, which led to the drying up of the River Makindu. Consequently, President Ruto directed Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya to gazette 10 catchment areas in Makueni and other wetlands across the country. The CS disclosed that over 2 million tree seedlings had been planted prior to the national tree-growing exercise.