NCBA on June 5, 2023, donated and planted over 20,000 trees in Bungoma County at various institutions to mark World Environment Day.
As part of the day’s activities, the bank planted 4,000 trees in Kibabii University in an event graced by the Governor of Bungoma County Kenneth Lusaka and Tessie Musalia, Spouse to the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The tree planting activity is part of an environmental conservation campaign dubbed “Change the Story”, which was rolled out in 2018 by NCBA as part of a corporate response to the depletion of the country’s forest cover and the adverse effects of climate change.
Through this initiative, NCBA, together with a number of stakeholders, has planted over 7 million trees.
NCBA has directly planted over 350,000 trees countrywide including in Kibiko Forest, Michuki Park, Kieni, and various schools as well as golf clubs.
This makes up about 90 hectares of restored forestland. While speaking during the tree planting event, David Abwoga, Group Executive Director and CFO said the exercise was a symbol of our shared commitment to the environmental goals.
“Partnerships are the glue to the implementation of Sustainability goals and are essential to making them a reality. Partnerships also provide insights that organizations and partners need to fine-tune their environmental efforts,” Abwoga said.
“At NCBA, we are committed to forging partnerships and supporting sustainable initiatives that contribute to the well-being of communities and the environment.”
Shared responsibility
In partnership with Kibabii University, Kenya Forest Service, Ministry of Environment, KEFRI, NEMA as well as other partners, NCBA continues to impact communities by enhancing collaboration and ensuring shared responsibility in caring for the environment.
“The World Environment Day seeks to boost awareness and promote action for the protection of the environment. It is the responsibility of all of us to drive a positive impact on our climate and bio-diversity at large as we enhance Environmental Sustainability. We are also grateful to NCBA for partnering with Ushiriki Wema Foundation to involve the community and change behaviour by raising the consciousness of every Kenyan,” said the Spouse to the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Bungoma County has long been a major paper producer in Kenya through the Webuye Pan Paper.
As a result, many trees have been cut down, which has adversely affected the environment.
“We are delighted that NCBA chose to celebrate World Environment Day in our county and we understand the importance of trees as our county thrives on the back of natural resources like the Mt Elgon Forest and many other agricultural activities,” noted Governor Lusaka.
“We remain committed to conserving the environment, avoiding plastic pollution, and growing trees in tandem with the President’s vision of growing 15 billion trees for the restoration of 10.6 million hectares of forest cover by 2032,” he added.
The theme of this year’s World Environment Day 2023 is #BeatPlasticPollution, which is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matter, and it is time to accelerate this action and transition to a circular economy.
