Locally leading motorcycle manufacturer Kibo Africa is intensifying its commitment to a more sustainable future through an ambitious tree-planting endeavour set to see over 100,000 trees flourish within the next three years.
Kibo Africa, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, through the State Department of Forestry and the Kenya Forest Service has already made significant strides by planting 10,000 tree seedlings in the Kereita Forest, marking the initiation of broader environmental stewardship.
The company's devotion to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices is evident in its decision to invest in re-forestation efforts across Kenyan landscapes, aligning its corporate vision with the government's ambitious target to increase the nation's forest cover by 15 billion trees by 2032.
The profound impact of this tree-planting initiative will extend to numerous locations, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of Kenya's ecosystem.
Huib van de Grijspaarde, CEO of Kibo Africa, articulated the company's mission during the tree-planting exercise.
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"At Kibo, we have always been driven by innovation and a desire to create a better future, which is reflected in our manufacturing process, where we work to reduce our carbon footprint by sourcing a large component of our production materials locally rather than importing them, thereby reducing the carbon emissions associated with shipping," van de Grijspaarde stated.
"We also ensure that our suppliers commit to and maintain environmentally friendly processes during production. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we will plant 100,000 tree seedlings over the next three years and care for them until they reach maturity. We believe that planting trees is an investment not only in our planet but also in the future of our communities, nation, and world."
The national tree planting initiative that is in progress seeks to restore 5.1 million hectares of forest cover, underscoring the Kenyan government's determination to combat deforestation and endorse sustainable practices.
Kenya, as part of its commitment to the African Union's African Forest Landscapes Restoration Initiative (AFR100), aims to restore 100 million hectares of forest across Africa.
Currently, Kenya possesses a forest cover of 8.83 per cent and is actively engaged in various projects, including public-private partnerships, to reach its ambitious goal.
Thomas Kiptoo, County Forest Conservator, Kiambu County, expressed his enthusiasm at the partnership with Kibo, labelling it as a momentous step towards a greener and more sustainable Kenya.
"We are delighted to join hands with Kibo in this commendable effort to combat deforestation and promote sustainable practices. Trees are vital in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a healthier environment for all," Kiptoo said.
"This partnership exemplifies how public and private sectors can collaborate to make a positive difference."
The tree-planting initiative is but a part of Kibo's comprehensive environmental sustainability endeavours.
In the past, the company has provided essential logistical support to conservancies, bolstering the efforts of rangers in their mission to combat poaching and encroachment, further exemplifying their commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
