Driving Change Through Tree Planting and Awareness

Partnering for Environmental Impact

Overview

Overline

As part of our unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, our team recently revisited three schools in Nakuru County—Kiptenden Primary School in Mbaruk, Mirugi Kariuki Primary School, and Mama Ngina Primary School—to follow up on the progress of tree seedlings planted during our earlier Green Restoration Campaign initiative.

The campaign focused on monitoring the growth and development of indigenous and fruit trees previously planted within the school compound as part of our afforestation and eco-awareness programs.

This follow-up visit was not just about checking in—it was a celebration of growth, community commitment, and the impact of grassroots environmental action.

Why It Matters

Environmental degradation, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, continues to threaten livelihoods, food security, and climate stability. Through tree planting, land restoration, and awareness campaigns, we aim to build climate resilience and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among young learners and local communities

This initiative aligns with our environmental conservation agenda, which extends beyond Nakuru to marginalized areas such as Marsabit, Baringo, Mandera, and Samburu.

Kiptenden Primary School showed an impressive 85% tree survival rate. Pupils have taken charge as “tree ambassadors,” ensuring the young trees are watered and protected daily.
At Mirugi Kariuki Primary, students have formed an eco-club that actively monitors tree growth and organizes awareness sessions.
Mama Ngina Primary stood out with its creative labelling of trees, each with environmental messages written by pupils themselves.

Observations & Impact

We were pleased to witness the resilience and dedication shown by the students, teachers, and wider school communities.

Activity Highlights

🌱 Tree Growth Assessment:

Our team, in collaboration with NETfund Kenya, assessed the condition, survival rate, and growth progress of the trees planted during previous campaigns at the school.

📚 Environmental Education Session:

The visiting team engaged students and teachers in a sensitization session on the importance of tree planting, biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation.

Stakeholder Engagement:

The exercise involved active participation from the school management, pupils, and local community members, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility in environmental restoration efforts.

Key Findings

A commendable 80% survival rate was recorded among the planted trees, attributed to the active involvement of pupils and teachers in nurturing the seedlings.
Indigenous species such as Croton, Grevillea, and Acacia showed impressive resilience and adaptability to local climatic conditions.
Fruit trees planted within the school’s kitchen garden have begun bearing fruit, contributing to the school’s nutrition program.

Partnerships That Matter

We are grateful for the continued support of NETfund Kenya, whose collaboration and technical input greatly enhanced the success of this activity. Their partnership has significantly amplified the impact of our conservation efforts and enabled sustainable, community-driven initiatives.

Moving Forward

Following this assessment, our team plans to:

Organize follow-up visits and mentorship sessions on tree care and environmental management.
Scale up similar restoration campaigns to other schools and community spaces in Nakuru and beyond.
Continue fostering partnerships that champion environmental conservation and climate resilience.

Conclusion

The Green Restoration Campaign at Kiptenden School reaffirmed the power of collective action in promoting environmental sustainability. By involving schools and communities, we are nurturing a generation that values and actively participates in safeguarding our natural environment.
We remain committed to expanding such initiatives and fostering partnerships that safeguard Kenya’s natural heritage.