NCBA, in partnership with The Baboon Project Kenya (BPK), marked World Environment Day with a remarkable tree-planting initiative in Nakuru County. This collaboration resulted in the planting of 10,000 trees, aligning with the year’s theme focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
The Baboon Project Kenya, established in 2021 in Nakuru, works in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service. It aims to conserve the environment through the Green School Program, which emphasizes tree planting and environmental awareness among students. This initiative supports the Climate Change Act of 2016 and promotes community engagement in environmental conservation.
John Gachora, NCBA’s Group Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the active participation of young people. He called to attention the importance of involving the youth in such initiatives to instill a sense of environmental responsibility. Gachora noted that the goal is to extend this tree-planting effort to at least 50 schools in Nakuru County and eventually across the country.
The Tree Planting and Growing campaign is part of NCBA’s broader “Change the Story” platform, which includes 15 ambitious sustainability commitments in collaboration with various strategic partners, including the government and private sector.
Simon Gichohi, the founder of Baboon Project Kenya, emphasized that tree planting goes beyond beautifying the landscape. It’s about planting hope for future generations and making a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship.
NCBA aims to grow 10 million trees by 2030, fostering a culture of conservation and environmental responsibility that benefits future generations. Other partners involved in the tree-planting activities include the Kenya Forest Service, Ushiriki Wema Foundation, WWF Kenya, Boreka Group, and Ahadi Kenya.
Dr. Stanley Kamau, Executive Director of Ahadi Kenya Trust, commended Baboon Project Kenya for its grassroots efforts in environmental conservation. He stressed the importance of educating the community, especially the youth, on the value of preserving natural resources.
During the event, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora pledged Ksh. 500,000 to renovate classrooms and kitchen facilities in support of Dr. Stanley Kamau’s plan to improve the learning environment for students.
NCBA Group, with a presence in five countries and serving over 60 million customers, is committed to supporting Africa’s economic and environmental ambitions. The bank’s leadership in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking positions it as a key player in driving sustainability initiatives across the continent.