Absa Leads with 10 Million Tree Initiative
The Absa Kenya Foundation announced its initiative to plant 10 million trees by 2032
Cabinet Secretary for Environment Aden Duale planting a tree. Photo by Aden Duale.
By Robert Mutasi
Kenya’s private sector is stepping up efforts to support the country’s climate action goals, with a significant contribution from Absa Kenya Foundation at the forefront.
During the launch of the Absa Kenya Foundation held at Karura Forest, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Aden Duale, praised the private sector’s vital role in environmental conservation and climate action.
The event, which was graced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted the commitment of the corporate sector in contributing to Kenya’s ambitious climate goals.
The Absa Kenya Foundation announced its initiative to plant 10 million trees by 2032 as part of Kenya’s larger target of planting 15 billion trees by the same year.
To date, Absa Kenya has already planted 1.4 million trees, significantly advancing their commitment and setting an example for other private companies.
This project aligns with the national strategy to combat climate change by boosting forest cover and reducing carbon emissions.
CS Aden Duale, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the need for robust partnerships between the government and the private sector to ensure the success of Kenya’s environmental policies.
“Kenya’s private sector plays a key role in driving our climate action efforts, providing critical financing, manpower, and innovative technologies,” Duale said.
He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to leveraging this collaboration to expedite national initiatives like the 15 billion trees program and to transition from a linear waste model to a circular economy.
This transition is also aimed at wealth and job creation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which the government has championed.
Duale highlighted that private sector involvement is crucial not just for reforestation but also for addressing other pressing environmental concerns, including waste management.
The move from a linear to a circular economy, where waste is reused and recycled, is seen as a critical step in ensuring sustainable development.
The government’s ambitious 15 billion trees initiative is expected to increase Kenya’s forest cover to over 30%, a significant step toward achieving sustainable climate resilience by 2032.
The Cabinet Secretary concluded by expressing appreciation for the private sector’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that such partnerships are vital to achieving Kenya’s climate action goals.
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