Several entities on Friday came together to plant 5,000 trees in Ngong Forest ahead of the national tree planting day on Monday.
The initiative which was organised by AAR healthcare brought together different entities including the Kenya Air Force, Kenya Forest Service, Consolidated Bank, Jidhamini, Finsco, Lancet and Wildlife Club, schools and Europa Pharmaceuticals.
The Trees for Health (T4H) initiative seeks to reaffirm the commitment to ecological sustainability and community wellness and the commitment to combat environmental degradation in Kenya.
T4H aims to plant 37,000 trees in 2023 as part of AAR Healthcare’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
"Our commitment to environmental preservation is not just a corporate mandate; it's a shared responsibility towards the wellbeing of our communities,” AAR Healthcare Kenya General Manager Elizabeth Wasunna stated.
“Our environmental initiatives are rooted in nurturing awareness, education, and active participation in tree planting. Our goal is to play a pivotal role in preserving our environment for future generations,” she added.
Kenya’s environmental efforts in tree planting are not only a testament to the nation's dedication to combat deforestation but also a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future for the planet, with an ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
These initiatives are a collective step toward restoring ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and preserving biodiversity, showcasing Kenya's commitment to environmental conservation on a global scale.
Through the initiative, AAR Healthcare aims to create a greener and healthier environment for the community while also contributing to the fight against climate change.
"The urgency of national tree-planting efforts in Kenya is clear. The country’s current forest cover is at 8.8 per cent, falling below the recommended global target of 10 per cent,” CEO at Europa Pharmaceuticals Anantharaman Nagarajan said.
Nagarajan said the tree planting initiatives will help secure planetary and individual health and play a role in the fight against climate change.
“By collectively participating in these initiatives, we can pave the way for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for Kenya,” he said.
During the initiative, George Njagi from World Life club called on all Kenyans to embrace the culture of ‘planting their age’.
This means everyone should take an initiative to plant trees equivalent to their number of years.
He noted that the trees planted today will have fruits for future generations.