Stanbic Bank Kenya and Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) have announced a partnership to plant one million trees over the next five years. The partnership aims to combat climate change and support Kenya’s green economy. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of the country’s broader environmental strategy.
The partnership will focus on funding and supporting tree-planting activities and related projects aimed at addressing climate change. The key components of the initiative include:
- Restoring Ecosystems: Rehabilitating degraded landscapes and vital water towers, which are crucial for the country’s environmental health.
- Empowering Local Communities: Offering training in regenerative agriculture, sustainable water management practices, and alternative livelihoods to reduce strain on natural resources.
- Driving Sustainable Change: Leveraging the combined expertise of both organizations to achieve long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.
This initiative goes beyond simply planting trees; it aims to create a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship, enhance community resilience, and directly tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
The partnership builds on Stanbic Bank’s continued commitment to sustainability, exemplified by its $122 million investment in green projects in 2023. This effort will include tree planting, educational programs on sustainable practices, and initiatives promoting sustainable livelihoods in communities across Kenya.
The collaboration also complements Kenya Breweries Limited’s “Spirit of Progress” sustainability strategy, which focuses on environmental protection. The initiative began with a tree-planting ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, and a tour of KBL’s Biomass Plant.
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Dr. Joshua Oigara, CEO of Stanbic Bank Kenya, and Mark Ocitti Ongom, Managing Director of KBL, are leading the project, with both organizations bringing valuable experience to the table. KBL has already planted over 1.5 million trees through its parent company, East African Breweries Limited (EABL), in the past decade.
“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Planting 1 million trees is more than an environmental goal—it’s about livelihoods, resilience, and hope for future generations.” said Dr. Oigara.
Mark Ocitti Ongom added, “This partnership goes beyond numbers. It’s about building a resilient future for Kenya. With 1.5 million trees planted by KBL in the last decade, this new commitment demonstrates the transformative power of partnerships in addressing climate change.”
The initiative is expected to deliver substantial environmental and socio-economic impacts, such as job creation, carbon emission reductions, and the restoration of natural habitats. Additionally, it will address critical issues such as the protection of Kenya’s water towers and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.