Safaricom rolls out tree-growing initiative in Nyandarua and Laikipia schools

A wave of green is sweeping across schools in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties as Safaricom rolls out its School Re-greening Programme, a campaign designed to instil environmental consciousness among learners while boosting food security.

At least 128 schools are set to benefit, with the initiative already taking shape in 40 institutions.

Over the past week, these schools have received 50 fruit tree seedlings each, carefully selected to thrive in their respective regions.

Among the varieties planted are Hass avocados, apple mangoes, oranges, and loquats, which, beyond their environmental impact, promise future nutritional and economic benefits for the schools.

Karen Basiye, Safaricom’s Director of Sustainable Business and Social Impact, emphasised the programme’s broader vision.

"Safaricom’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 goes beyond carbon reduction to creating long-term benefits for future generations," Basiye stated.

"Through the programme, we will create awareness on environmental stewardship among learners, giving them early exposure to knowledge and training to develop practical skills while also contributing to long-term sustainability,"

Under the initiative, Safaricom is handling the procurement and transportation of seedlings, while participating schools are tasked with preparing the land, fencing, watering, and nurturing the trees to maturity.

The long-term goal is to ensure the trees not only improve the environment but also provide fresh produce and, where possible, generate income from surplus harvests.

This effort is part of Safaricom’s larger ambition to plant five million trees by 2030, an initiative projected to offset 26 per cent of its carbon emissions.

By December 2024, the company had already planted over 2.3 million trees in degraded forests, marking steady progress towards its net-zero emissions target by 2050.